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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Hideki Matsui #55 of the New York Yankees hits a 2-run home run in the bottom of the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Happy birthday, Hideki Matsui!

The 2009 World Series MVP turns 41-years-old today!

Hideki Matsui spent seven years in the Bronx before playing out the rest of his career in LA, Oakland and Tampa Bay. For his career, Matsui hit .282/.360/.462 with 175 homers and 760 RBI. Matsui retired as a Yankee back in 2013 after signing a one-day contract.

Matsui’s performance in the ’09 World Series ranks as one of the best ever. He hit an astonishing .615 with three homers and eight RBI. In the clinching game six, Matsui went 3-for-4 while driving in SIX, helping the Yankees win their 27th World Championship.

Whether it was his grand slam on Opening Day at the Stadium in his rookie year, his clutch double in game seven of the ’03 ALCS off Pedro, or his virtuoso performance in the World Series,ย Matsui always rose to the occasion and elevated his game when the situation called for it. For that, along with his class and grace, and he’ll always be a fan favorite in New York.ย Now, he serves as a special assistant to GM Brian Cashman.

So from all of us at Bronx Pinstripes, HAPPY BIRTHDAY GODZILLA!

You can watch Matsui’s introduction to the Bronx Faithful back in 2003 below: