Hideki Matsui ended his playing career as a member of the New York Yankees on Sunday, when the team honored him with a pregame ceremony at Yankee Stadium.
Hours before the Yankees' afternoon game against the Tampa Bay Rays, the team inked Matsui to a one-day minor league deal. Just prior to the game, he formally signed his retirement papers at home plate with his parents and younger brother behind him. He also threw out the ceremonial first pitch in a game the Yankees went on to win 6-5.
"I was on the verge of tears as I entered the stadium," Matsui said. "It was an emotion beyond words. It brought home once more what a joyful life I had in the game. This will be a day I'll never forget."