Yankees News: Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui to play in charity game

Derek Jeter just cannot stay away from the game of baseball.  After vowing that he would stay away for a while after his retirement, the former shortstop remains very in touch with the sport, as he is trying to pass on his knowledge to young players.  Recently, it was the New York Yankees top prospects, as Jeter surprised them with a visit to Captain’s Camp.

Now, Jeter will team up with former Yankees teammate, and 2009 World Series MVP, Hideki Matsui to play in a charity game that will support survivors of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  The game, which will take place at the Tokyo Dome, will consist of student baseball players from Tohoku, the region which the disaster hit the hardest, killing over 15,000 people.  All profits will go towards helping the young children in Tohoku.

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Jeter and Matsui will put on a baseball clinic, while participating in a home run derby.  Jeter has been consistent in his desire to one day own a team, and he touched on that while speaking to the media:

"I need to get away from (baseball) for a little while, I’ve been doing it professionally for 23 years.  At this moment, I’m not thinking about getting back in the game.  My ultimate dream is to one day own a team, but that’s in the future."

Jeter also discussed the tragedy, as he looks to help children who are still dealing with the aftermath:

"The kids will never forget what happened, but if they can come out and have fun and nejoy themselves through the sport of baseball, that’s what we’re trying to do here."

Matsui, one of the greatest Japanese born baseball players to live, said that having Jeter help out will be great for the kids:

"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."

Matsui recently took a job as a special adviser to GM Brian Cashman, which Jeter believes Matsui will succeed at:

"Not only was he successful here in Japan, one of the biggest stars in the country, he came over to the United States and did the exact same thing.  There aren’t too many players that can say that… so he has a lot of knowledge, and will be able to share that with as many people as he wants to do."

While Jeter has said that he wants to stay away from baseball, he simply has not been able to pass up the opportunity to help teach younger generations of players.

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