Switch-hitter who became the first Japanese infielder to sign a contract with the National League.
He played baseball for the renowned PL Academy Senior High School, where he was their star pitcher.
He hit a home run in his first at-bat in the big leagues, and also hit a home run in his first plate appearance in 2005 and 2006.
He married Mio Matsui in 2000.
In 2004, he played shortstop and Jose Reyes played second base for the Mets. The following year, they switched positions and Reyes went on to become an All-Star at the position.
