Who Is Hideki Matsui? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Hideki Matsui is a former professional baseball player from Japan, born on June 12, 1974. As of 2025, Matsui is 50 years old. Known for his exceptional skills both in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB), Matsui earned the nickname "Godzilla" during his time with the New York Yankees. He is celebrated for his powerful hitting and his contributions to the Yankees, especially during their 2009 World Series victory.
Occupation | Baseball Players |
---|---|
Date of Birth | June 12, 1974 |
Age | 51 Years |
Birth Place | Neagari, Ishikawa, Japan |
Horoscope | Gemini |
Country | Japan |
Popularity
Hideki Matsui's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Hideki Matsui stands tall at 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) and weighed approximately 230 pounds (104 kg) during his playing career. His athletic physique and keen eye for the game made him an exceptional outfielder and designated hitter, contributing significantly to his teams' successes throughout his career.
Relationship Status:
- Partner: Married
- Children: Yes (specifics not widely disclosed)
Matsui announced to the press on March 27, 2008, that he had married in a private ceremony in New York. His bride's name was not announced, but it was reported that she was 25 years old and had been formerly working in a "reputable position at a highly respected company". They met in Japan after the 2006 off-season.
As of, Matsui had an apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and a home in Connecticut where he was raising his son. In January 2017, his wife gave birth to the couple's second son. He continues to live in New York City as of 2021.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Hideki Matsui's estimated net worth is around $80 million. His earnings stem not only from his lengthy baseball career but also from endorsements, appearances, and various business ventures. In his prime, he earned significant contracts, particularly during his years with the New York Yankees, which added to his wealth.
On Opening Day of the 2010 season, Matsui went 2-for-4 with a home run in the Angels cleanup spot. While playing in 145 games for the Angels, he produced a .274 batting average, 21 home runs and 84 RBIs. Matsui returned to free agent status following the close of the season, and on November 23, 2010, the Angels announced that they would not offer him salary arbitration.
Career Highlights:
- NPB: Yomiuri Giants (1993–2002)
- MLB: New York Yankees (2003–2009), Los Angeles Angels (2010), Oakland Athletics (2012)
Matsui played the first 10 seasons of his career in Japan for NPB's Yomiuri Giants. During that span, he was a nine-time All-Star, three-time Japan Series champion, and three-time Central League Most Valuable Player (MVP).
In 2003, Matsui transitioned to playing in MLB in North America, and spent his first seven seasons there with the New York Yankees. As a Yankee, he was a two-time All-Star and 2009 World Series champion, for which he was named the World Series MVP. He is the only Asian player to win the award in league history.
After becoming a free agent, Matsui had one-year stints with three other MLB teams: the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Oakland Athletics, and Tampa Bay Rays. On July 28, 2013, Matsui signed a one-day minor league contract with the Yankees in order to officially retire with the team.
Social Media:
- Instagram: @hideki.matsui
- Twitter: @MatsuiHideki
Education
Matsui attended Wakamatsu High School, where his baseball talent was recognized early on. He later furthered his skills playing in the NPB, ultimately shaping a successful career in both Japan and the United States. While specific details about his post-secondary education remain scarce, his dedication to training and honing his craft speaks volumes about his commitment to the sport.
Matsui was recruited by Seiryo High School in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, a Western Honshu baseball powerhouse. During his high school years, Matsui participated in four National High School Baseball Tournaments at Koshien Stadium (once in the spring and three times in the summer).
In 1992, he drew five consecutive intentional walks in a game at Koshien and became a nationwide topic of conversation. The intentional walks were considered excessive and unsportsmanlike but the strategy worked, as Matsui's team lost. Matsui's reaction to the intentional walks was widely commented upon by the media.
"Matsui's stoic, emotionless conduct during those at-bats drew great praise from tournament officials and reporters alike", author Robert Whiting wrote. At the end of the tournament, a representative of the High School Federation declared that "All students should learn from Matsui's attitude."
Wiki Summary:
- Full Name: Hideki Matsui
- Born: June 12, 1974
- Nationality: Japanese
- Profession: Former Professional Baseball Player
- Nicknames: Godzilla