New York Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui drew praise for helping his team clinch the American League pennant and for his contribution, albeit in vain, toward their quest for a World Series victory.
The Yankees, who were down 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, lost 2-0 to the Florida Marlins in Game 6 on Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
Matsui's outstanding debut season in the U.S. major leagues has reverberated in Japan, namely in increased sales of baseball equipment.