News
Matsui must wait for Meikyukai
One shy of 2,000 hits, Astros second baseman goes 0-for-4
By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com
08/14/09 11:50 PM ET
MILWAUKEE -- The Kazuo Matsui watch continues.Matsui went 0-for-4 for the second consecutive game in the Astros' 11-2 loss to the Brewers on Friday, leaving him one hit shy of 2,000 combined for his career in the Japanese and the U.S. Major Leagues. He's in an 0-for-8 slump and is hitting 10-for-55 in August.
Matsui is trying to become just the fourth U.S. Major Leaguer from Japan to join the exclusive Meikyukai, a fraternity of players considered the greatest in the history of Japan baseball. He has 566 hits in the Major Leagues and 1,433 in Japan.
There are more than 50 Japanese players in the club, but Matsui would be only the fourth to play in the U.S. big leagues, joining Hideo Nomo, Hideki Matsui and Ichiro Suzuki. Players are eligible for induction if they reach 2,000 hits, 200 wins or 250 saves in Japan, the U.S. or combined between both countries.
Following the game in which he reaches 2,000 hits, Matsui will receive a jacket that signifies he's a member in the Meikyukai. It will be presented by his former manager with the Seibu Lions of Japan, Osamu Higashio.
Matsui, a native of Osaka, was considered a five-tool player and was voted as the best shortstop in the history of Japanese baseball. He was a seven-time All-Star in Japan and won four Gold Gloves before he was granted free agency and came to the United States.
He signed with the New York Mets in 2004 before moving to Colorado in 2007. He helped the Rockies reach the World Series that season. Matsui signed with the Astros prior to last season and is hitting .248 with five homers and 29 RBIs in 88 games this year.
Brian McTaggart is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
