They call him Godzilla. And with good reason. Even when he was just starting to create his personal legend as a high school ball player, Matsui was 186cm tall and weighed in at 90kg. He is one of the most prodigious long-ball hitters Japan has ever produced and has worked hard to become a good outfielder and base runner. His nickname belies his quiet and modest nature, which has helped make him into Japan's most popular player.

The legend began back in 1992. Since his first of four appearances for Seiryo High School at the National High School Baseball Championships (Koshien), Matsui had developed a fearsome reputation, and had a record of 60 home runs. In a second round game, the pitchers of Meitoku High were so scared of him that they deliberately walked him five times. This was regarded as the very antithesis of what high school baseball was supposed to be all about.

The next year, despite the fact that he wanted to play for the Hanshin Tigers, the 18-year old Matsui was chosen as the No.1 draft pick by "Japan's Team" the Yomiuri Giants. He started slowly enough but in his fourth season he began putting up some impressive numbers and won his first league MVP award. He has since won the RBI and home run titles three times each (1998, 2000 and 2002), the batting title once (2001) and CL MVP three times (1996, 2000, 2002).

Over his career, he has developed a reputation as a consistent and tough player. He began a consecutive game streak in 1994 that has since become the longest among active players and second only to that of the Japanese "Iron Man" Kinugasa Sachiyo (2,215). He has made the Yomiuri "No.4 batter" position his own and has also worked hard to become a reliable right fielder and strong, if not the fastest, base runner. These qualities and his surprisingly demure and modest nature have combined to make him a fan favorite and one of Japan's most eligible bachelors, to boot. Of course, playing for the country's most popular and richest team hasn't hurt.

But it is this very popularity and Matsui's own loyal nature that have made his decision on whether to follow other Japanese stars across the Pacific more difficult. Yomiuri tried to tie their star down with a five-year 6-billion yen contract in 2000 but Matsui would only sign a one-year deal. He said he would decide about whether to use his eligibility to become a free agent at the end of his ninth season in 2002.

The Giants won the Central League pennant and Matsui came agonizingly close to winning Japan's first Triple Crown since 1986. The increased media attention only served to bring even more focus on Godzilla's heart-breaking choice.

But there may be an out. The Giants have recently formed a close relationship with the New York Yankees, who have made no secret of the interest in acquiring Matsui. It is rumored that Yomiuri might let their star leave for a few seasons, on the understanding that he return to play his final few years where he belongs. he won't come cheap but if anyone can afford him, it's the Yankees.

Japan-zone.com