Main Story: Hideki Matsui is returning to the Yomiuri Tigers as manager, decades after becoming one of the Japanese club’s biggest stars. He built a celebrated career in Japan before joining the Yankees, where his defining moment came as MVP of New York’s 2009 World Series championship.

By the Numbers
  • Japan: 10 seasons, 332 home runs and 889 RBIs with Yomiuri (1993–2002).
  • Yomiuri won 3 league titles during Matsui’s tenure: 1994, 2000 and 2002.
  • MLB: 3 All-Star selections, including each of his first 2 seasons.
  • 2009 World Series: 8-for-13, 3 home runs and 8 RBIs; he drove in 6 runs in Game 6.
Yes, But

Matsui’s playing résumé is extensive, but taking over follows a turbulent season for Yomiuri: manager Shinnosuke Abe resigned in May after an arrest, and Hideki Hashigami finished the season as interim manager.

State of Play
  • Matsui has been introduced as Yomiuri’s new manager.
  • The club is coming off a season completed under interim leadership.
Bottom Line

Matsui’s return brings a franchise icon back to Yomiuri in a new role—trading his celebrated bat for the challenge of leading the team.