MIAMI – The New York Yankees said Friday former outfielder Hideki Matsui, the 2009 World Series MVP, will throw out the first pitch on opening day.
New York hosts the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium on Monday, when Masahiro Tanaka will start for the Yankees in the opener for the second year in a row.
Matsui also threw out the first pitch in July 2013, when the team honored him with a pregame ceremony in the Bronx that formally ended his playing career as a Yankee.
Matsui joined the club in 2003 after 10 seasons in NPB with the Yomiuri Giants.
During his seven seasons with New York, Matsui played in the World Series in 2003 and 2009, and was named MVP of the latter.
Matsui has been serving as a special assistant to general manager Brian Cashman since last year.
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