NewsMatsui takes pursuit of 2,000 to Milwaukee
Second baseman goes 0-for-4 in finale with Marlins
By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com
08/13/09 11:43 PM ET
MIAMI -- Second baseman Kaz Matsui and the large contingent of Japanese media that has been following him in recent days will head to Milwaukee in anticipation of a landmark base hit.Matsui went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the Astros' 9-2 loss to the Marlins on Thursday, leaving him one hit shy of 2,000 combined hits for his career in Japan and the U.S.
The Astros open a three-game series against the Brewers on Friday.
Matsui is trying to join the exclusive Meikyukai, a fraternity of players considered the greatest in the history of Japanese baseball.
There are more than 50 players in the club, but Matsui would be only the fourth Japanese Major Leaguer to do it, 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.
"I still cannot imagine that it's going to be 2,000," Matsui said on Wednesday night. "I got three hits today, and it was big."
Following the game in which he reaches 2,000 hits, Matsui will be given with a jacket that signifies his membership in the Meikyukai. The jacket will be presented by his former manager with the Seibu Lions, Osamu Higashio.
"I still cannot believe that I'm going to get the jacket," Matsui said. "I've seen the jacket before on TV when somebody was wearing it. I still cannot believe I'm the one who's going to wear it."
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 U.S.
He signed with the Mets in 2004 before moving to Colorado and helping the Rockies reach the World Series in 2007. He 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.
