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Hideki Matsui will sign a one-day contract with the New York Yankees so he can retire with the organization, reports Chad Jennings ofThe Journal News.
The former outfielder will sign a minor-league contract with the team before Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays, then will sign his retirement papers during a pre-game ceremony. The ceremony will begin at approximately 12:30 p.m. ET.
Scheduled events for the ceremony include a video tribute to Matsui on the centerfield video board, a ride in a golf cart down the third base line, and a matted and framed 2009 Yankees jersey presented to Matsui by Brian Cashman. His mother and father will join the 2009 World Series MVP on the field. Matsui will cap off the ceremony by throwing out the first pitch.
Derek Jeter talked with Jennings about his former teammate, telling the reporter:
"I love Matsu, man. I've always told you guys he's been one of my favorite teammates. I'm looking forward to seeing him. ... He was a professional. He played every day. The biggest thing is he never made excuses. He never talked about injuries; he never used injuries as an excuse. He went out there and played. As players, you appreciate that."
Matsui played 11 seasons in MLB, seven with New York. The left-handed slugger hit .282/.360/.462 with 175 home runs.
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