Matsui is No. 1

While the HOKKAIDO NIPPON HAM FIGHTERS and the YOMIURI GIANTS battle to decide the winner of Japan's Fall Classic, a Japanese player made history in America's original version.
HIDEKI MATSUI hit a two-run homer, a two-run double and a two-run single last night to power the NEW YORK YANKEES to a clinching victory, 7-3, against the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES in the WORLD SERIES.
Matsui tied a World Series record with six RBIs, but more significantly became the first Japanese-born player to win the coveted World Series MVP award -- an award presented since 1955. Matsui hit .615 (8 for 13) with three home runs and eight RBIs.
Meanwhile, back in Japan, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters head back to Sapporo tomorrow with the JAPAN SERIES tied at two games apiece after beating the Yomiuri Giants, 8-4, in Game 4 at Tokyo Dome.
Yesterday was a big day for Japanese baseball.