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MLB

Hideki Matsui special guest as the SI Yankees celebrate Japanese heritage

Godzilla on hand as well as Zooperstars, giveaways and traditional Japanese music and Food; July 25th set to be an Historic and Groundbreaking Night in the History of Professional Baseball; Yanks also Launch the FIRST EVER Official Japanese Website Dedicated to an American Team
By
April 19, 2005
Staten Island, April 13 -- The Staten Island Yankees are proud to announce that New York Yankee Superstar Hideki Matsui will be the guest of honor for the first annual Japanese Heritage Night on July 25 as the Staten Island Yankees take on the Vermont Expos.

Matsui will be on hand to hit the first pitch on the 25th as well as enjoy the festivities that the Yankees will be providing to honor Japanese Heritage. Among the things planned for this history-making "Matsuri" (festival) are a 5000 Sensu (Japanese fan) and Staten Island Yankee moisturized tissue giveaway, a Taiko (Japanese drum) performance during the pre-game ceremonies, Japanese music, food and beer during the game, a visit from Japanese little leaguers and a contest with the first prize being an all expense paid trip to Japan! Did we mention the Zooperstars? The loveable antics of everybody's favorite ballpark attraction are back as the Zooperstars take part in honoring Japanese Heritage as well! Tickets are still available, but are going fast. They can be purchased at the ticket box office, over the phone at 718-720-9200 or online at www.siyanks.com. And speaking of websites, the Yankees have launched not only a new English website, but an all-new Japanese site as well. It can be reached at www.siyanks.jp. Now you can access your Staten Island Yankees worldwide! In addition, www.siyanks.jp is the first official Japanese website dedicated to an American baseball team EVER.

"The support baseball and we in particular get from the Japanese community here and in Japan is overwhelming," said Chief Operating Officer Josh Getzler. "This night is destined to be not only one of the most popular in our history but a groundbreaking event for all of professional baseball."

The appearance of Hideki Matsui and Japanese Heritage Night is being sponsored by Mizuno, a premier manufacturer of baseball and other athletic equipment since 1906.

Matsui has been the Yankees' left fielder since 2003 when he signed a three-year contract with the club. He earned the nickname "Godzilla" in Japan for being the most feared and dominant hitter in Japanese baseball history. Upon coming to the Yankees, he has not disappointed. After a breakout rookie season, Godzilla was dominant in '04 and stood out as arguably the best overall player on a potent New York team.