This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2004.
Already a star in Japan, Hideki "Godzilla" Matsui became an instant success in New York when he became the first Yankee ever to hit a grand slam in his fist game at Yankee Stadium. His return to Japan is marked by this game used Rawlings Official 2004 Japan Opening Series baseball. It has been signed in black ballpoint by Matsui on the sweet spot, and he added "#55." The ball shows nice use, the "M" in "Matsui" is slightly smudged with the signature grading an overall 7-8. Comes with a letter from PSA/DNA and a letter from the owner of the ball, which reads "I [am] a former Yankee photographer [who] was given this 2004 Japan Opening Series game used ball autographed by Hideki Matsui, by a present Yankee member."