“The Kids Will Never Forget What Happened” – Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui Once Played a Charity Game Together in Japan

Two World Champions, Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui are most popularly associated together for their 2009 World Series victory. The championship triumph against the Phillies shattered the 9-year-long slump and resulted in the greatest achievement of captain Derek Jeter.

Both the Yankee superstars have their fair share of accomplishments. While Jeter has won five MLB World Series Championships, Matsui has won three Japan Series Championships and one MLB championship. Nevertheless, the duo once arrived at the Tokyo Dome in 2015, one year after Jeter retired.

Why were Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui in Japan?

The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan killed approximately 16,000 people. However, the loss did not limit itself to the life and property lost. The generational trauma that traveled across lifespans and age groups was unbelievable. To raise money for the cause, Derek Jeter and Matsui reached the Tokyo Dome in 2015.

At the charity match, Jeter said, “The kids will never forget what happened. But if they can come out and have fun and enjoy themselves through the sport of baseball, that’s what we’re trying to do here.” Matsui spoke about Jeter’s presence going a long way. He said, “Having Jeter here is a wonderful thing. I’m happy, and the kids taking part in this event will be thrilled. We hope they have a great time, and return to Tohoku with some great memories.”

Read More: “…And We Haven’t Been That Team for Quite Sometime” – Derek Jeter Discusses the World Championship Slump Before the Historic World Series Victory

Not to mention, nothing could ever compensate for the loss of life and property. And all the trauma that comes with it. Despite the tsunami hitting Japan four years before the stars’ event, the presence of these stars and the funds raised by them went a long way in helping individuals recover from the trauma.

The 2009 World Series – end of the Yankee slump

After having a very successful run from 1996 to 2000 with 4 World Championships, by 2003, Derek Jeter became the 16th Yankee captain. However, despite postseason appearances and brilliant solo performances, the Yanks didn’t win a single World Series Championship from 2003 to 2008. Ultimately, in 2009, their jinx broke. The Yanks won the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 and Hideki Matsui won the MVP award for the World Series.

The great, dominant and prestigious New York Yankees haven’t made a single World Series appearance since 2009. Will this be their year? Will they get past the postseason? What do you think?

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