Hideki Matsui (松井 秀喜, Matsui Hideki?, born June 12, 1974) is a Japanese professional baseball designated hitter and outfielder who is currently a free agent. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.
After playing the first ten seasons of his career for the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, he played the next seven seasons, from 2003–2009, for the New York Yankees of North America's Major League Baseball. As a free agent, Matsui has had one-year stints with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Oakland Athletics, and the Tampa Bay Rays. Matsui has been successful in both leagues, winning the Central League Most Valuable Player Award three times in Japan, as well as the World Series Most Valuable Player Award in the United States.
Read more about Hideki Matsui: Early Life, Career in Japan, Playing Streak, Personal Life