Kazuo Matsui, nicknamed "Kaz", is a retired Japanese professional shortstop. He is a switch-hitter. Matsui signed with the New York Mets on December 17, 2003, becoming the first Japanese infielder to sign with a Major League Baseball team.
About Kazuo Matsui
Switch-hitter who became the first Japanese infielder to sign a contract with the National League.
Before Fame
He played baseball for the renowned PL Academy Senior High School, where he was their star pitcher.
Achievement
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.
Family Life
He married Mio Matsui in 2000.
Associations
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.
Information related to Kazuo Matsui
- Nippon Professional Baseball shortstops
- Major League Baseball players from Japan
- Nippon Professional Baseball MVP Award winners
- Japanese expatriate baseball players in the United States
- Seibu Lions players
- Brooklyn Cyclones players
- Saitama Seibu Lions players
- Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles players
- Nippon Professional Baseball outfielders
- St. Lucie Mets players
- Round Rock Express players
- Colorado Rockies players
- Norfolk Tides players