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Hideki Matsui announces his retirement - "Godzilla" to baseball fans in Japan and U.S.
December 27, 2012
New York City
Hideki Matsui announced his retirement at age 38 
on Thursday in Manhattan. Known as "Godzilla" to baseball fans in Japan and U.S., the 6 foot 2 inch, 210 lb. athlete has had an illustrious career in both countries.
He was named World Series Most Valuable Player in the U.S., and three times was named the Central League Most Valuable Player Award in Japan. He played seven seasons from 2003-2009 for the New York Yankees, and ten seasons for the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.
He had a $52 million dollar four year contract with the New York Yankees through 2009. Matsui helped the New York Yankees win the World Series, defeating the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies earning him the World Series Most Valuable Player Award. At the end of 2009, Matsui agreed to a one-year $6.5 million dollar deal with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
In addition, Matsui played one year stints with the Oakland Athletics, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the Tampa Bay Rays. He was a basebal outfielder and designated hitter, batting left-handed and throwing right-handed.
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