Hideki Matsui Named Manager of the Yomiuri Giants
Godzilla is going home. The former Yankees star takes over the team where his career began.
One of the most beloved Japanese players in Major League history is going home. Hideki Matsui, the former New York Yankees slugger, was named the new manager of the Yomiuri Giants on Friday.
Back Where It Started
The Giants are Japan's most famous baseball team, and they are also where Matsui became a star. He built his reputation as one of the most feared power hitters in Japan with Yomiuri before leaving for the United States. Now he returns to lead the franchise from the dugout.
Godzilla in New York
American fans know him as "Godzilla." Matsui joined the Yankees and quickly became a fan favorite in the Bronx thanks to his clutch hitting and quiet professionalism. His signature moment came in 2009, when he was named World Series MVP as the Yankees won the championship.
He later played for other MLB clubs before retiring, but his legacy in New York and in Japan made him a natural choice for a high-profile leadership role.
Why It Matters
Matsui's hiring is a huge story in Japan, where the Giants carry enormous expectations every season. For American fans, it is another reminder of how connected MLB and Japanese baseball have become, with stars moving in both directions and former players taking on leadership roles.
Baseball's Big Week
The news lands during one of baseball's biggest weeks. The World Series is underway between two franchises that have never won it, the Brewers and Rays. Read our full World Series preview.
In other managerial news, Stephen Vogt shut down Mariners rumors and said he will manage the Guardians in 2027.
Know the Game
New to following box scores from Japan or MLB? Our guide on how to read a baseball box score breaks it down, and you can learn how the modern MLB postseason format works.
Follow every story in our MLB coverage.
Background from Wikipedia
Hideki Matsui
Hideki Matsui (松井 秀喜, Matsui Hideki; born June 12, 1974), nicknamed "Godzilla", is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter who is the manager of the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball's Central League. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yomiuri Giants. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.
Matsui played the first 10 seasons of his career in Japan for NPB's Yomiuri Giants.
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently Asked Questions
What team will Hideki Matsui manage?
Hideki Matsui was named manager of the Yomiuri Giants, the Japanese club he played for before joining the New York Yankees.
What did Hideki Matsui do with the Yankees?
Matsui was a fan favorite with the Yankees and was named MVP of the 2009 World Series.
What is Hideki Matsui's nickname?
Matsui is known as Godzilla.
Join the Conversation
Got a take? Share this story and tell us what you think. We read every reply.
Keep Reading
More to Explore
Kosuke Fukudome
Kosuke Fukudome (福留 孝介, Fukudome Kōsuke, [ɸɯ̥kɯdome koːsɯ̥ke]; born April 26, 1977) is a Japanese former professional baseball player. He played as an outfielder in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league from 1999 to 2007 and in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2008 to 2012 before returning to play in Japan from 2013 to 2022.
Vogt shuns Mariners rumors, says he'll manage Guardians in '27
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt dispelled speculation about his future, saying he'll return next season to chase an elusive World Series title.
Hayato Sakamoto
Hayato Sakamoto (坂本 勇人, Sakamoto Hayato; born December 14, 1988) is a Japanese professional baseball shortstop with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). In 2008, Sakamoto became the first player in Giants franchise history to start a season opener while under the age of 20 since Hideki Matsui.
The unbelievable tales and talent of Jacob Misiorowski
Misiorowski does amazing things with a baseball. It turns out, that's not the only incredible thing about him.
Edgar Gonzalez (infielder)
Edgar Gonzalez (born June 14, 1978) is an American former professional baseball second baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yomiuri Giants.
Brewers' Woodruff, out since July, added to World Series roster
Brandon Woodruff, who hasn't pitched in a game since July 4 due to a shoulder injury, took the place of Chad Patrick on the Brewers' World Series roster.
Juan Miranda (baseball)
Juan Miguel Miranda Ramírez (born 25 April 1983) is a Cuban former first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
Offseason Outlook: New York Yankees
After another postseason letdown, the Yankees will focus on rebuilding the bullpen and figuring out how to remake a one-dimensional offense. Guaranteed Contracts Aaron Judge, OF: $200MM through 2031 Max Fried, SP:…
Wikipedia summaries are licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Headlines and photos belong to their publishers.