2009 World Series - Yankees Vs. Phillies

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Yankees fans everywhere are still buzzing about World Series MVP Hideki Matsui.

The power hitter known as "Godzilla" is the first Japanese player to ever earn the honor. It should come as no surprise that Matsui has been an international hit for some time.

Millions of fans from around the world watched Matsui in what he called the "best moment of his life," his team winning the championship-clinching game and the 35-year-old outfielder earning the Series' top honor.

Fans in Japan went wild.

You'll find Matsui fans all over New York as well, especially if you check out places like GoGo Curry in Midtown. It had a line out the door on Thursday and a Godzilla Gorilla to help celebrate.
Everything about the place is about No. 55.

"'Go' in Japanese is 5, so Matsui's number of course is 55 since the Yomiuri Giants so 55 means 'gogo' and GoGo Curry," said Kazuko Nagao.

Japanese Curry is a specialty in Ishikawa, Matsui's home town. The owner of GoGo is from the same place and opened nearly 30 restaurants in Matsui's honor in Japan. They keep a close tally on Matsui's home runs and every time he hits one the customers get a free topping. After the World Series they got five coupons for free toppings.

The line is full of diehard fans that often have a personal connection.

"My father actually grew up in the same hometown that he did. It's a really small town. My father and Matsui are basically two out of a handful who came to the United States and made a living. Matsui, obviously, much more successful than my father," said fan Weston Nakamura.

Added fan Koichi Shishido: "I like that he's very humble. He just goes out there and does what he does. He's not a flashy player in any way, he just does what he's gotta do."

Many Japanese say Matsui's success proves anything is possible.

"It means really a lot to us because it's not easy to make it in this country and also in New York. He just does everything, so it really moves all of us," Nagao said.

Nagao said she's hoping Matsui stays in New York, or they may have to set up shop wherever he goes.

But Matsui's success is not just being felt in the Japanese community in the city. Up in Westchester County there's a certain school that is beaming with pride over the Yankee star's performance.

Keio Academy of New York in Purchase is the nation's only Japanese high school. And the students there are absolutely thrilled they can call Matsui one of their own.

Most of the students grew up in Japan and have been following Matsui forever.

"He has been people's dream for many years. Since I was in elementary school he has been a hero, the role model," student Ryuta Yashiro said.

Matsui was a four-time MVP in the Japanese league and won the prestigious award in Japan's version of the World Series, but grabbing that honor in the United State is a whole different ballgame.

"I was really proud because a Japanese player won the World Series MVP in this country, which is the real baseball country," student Yuto Sekido said.

Matsui earned the nickname "Godzilla" for his hitting power and these young players, who were 2008 State baseball champions, said he breaks the mold.

"Many Japanese people do the bunt and the single hits to get the smaller runs, but when a big hitter like Matsui goes in he hits like home runs every time," Yashiro said.

Rieko Yamada Ivy said what stands out about Matsui is his graciousness, especially when he was interviewed after the game.

"He didn't say anything about me, me, me, it's my accomplishment or it's my goal or me. Always he talks about Yankees," Yamada Ivy said.

The big question is whether Matsui will stay with the Yankees. He's at the end of a four-year, $52 million contract, and there's talk he may head back to Japan to play.

For complete World Series coverage, be sure to check out WCBSTV.com's World Series section.



 

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