New York Daily News: Godzilla Star Like No Other
Sunday, March 27th, 2005Matsui isn’t interested. Not because he wants to test free agency, not because he believes he’ll flourish on the open market, but simply because his original plan was to demonstrate his value over three years, and that is what he believes he should do.
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The Yankees, of course, would prefer otherwise. Still, they understand that Matsui’s belief is genuine and not an indication he wants to leave them. In fact, Matsui has mentioned that, ideally, he’d like his career to have symmetry: Ten years playing for the Giants, followed by 10 years in the Bronx.
For those who question Matsui’s intentions, consider his farewell to Japan: In a lengthy press conference that essentially captivated a nation, Matsui tried to explain his decision to come to America and, almost tearfully, said he hoped he would not be considered a “traitor.” Despite being at peace with his choice, he was worried about being labeled wagamama, or selfish.
“It was a possibility that concerned me,” he says through an interpreter. When it was pointed out to him that those kinds of feelings aren’t common among American athletes who frequently embrace free agency and the ability to change teams, Matsui shrugged his shoulders and said simply, “It’s who I am and how I felt.”
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“I just do what I feel is right,” he says. “I think that is the best way for me to be.”
He’s really everything you could want, as far as I am concerned.
Via Pro Sports Daily.
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