Hideki Matsui is back in pinstripes (sort of.) It was announced Tuesday that the fan favorite will be at spring training for the Yanks as a hitting instructor. He was invited last year but turned down the offer due to the birth of his child.
The last special instructor the Yankees had was Andy Pettitte back in 2009, he did so well throwing batting practice that he came out of retirement. While it’s unlikely the 39 year old World Series MVP will be coming out of retirement, his presence alone can help the team immensely. He also should be able to help Masahiro Tanaka with the transition from Japan to the Yankees. He played a roll in helping the Yanks land Tanaka by speaking with him briefly while he was being recruited by the team.
It is fitting that Matsui will be at spring training during Tanaka’s first year in the Majors with such similarities between them. Matsui came to the Yankees in 2003 after an incredible Japanese Baseball career and became an instant fan favorite, much like Tanaka has. The two met back in 2006 when Tanaka’s high school All Star team was touring the US and made a stop at the old stadium. The Bombers are hoping that Tanaka can not only succeed but flourish in New York just like Matsui did in his seven years in pinstripes. Hopefully Tanaka’s first game with the team wont start the same way Matsui’s did, a grand slam.
Matsui will stay with the team up until spring training games start.
