Shortly after Derek Jeter, retired shortstop, arrived in Japan for the his and Hideki Matsui’s charity baseball game in support of the tragic storm’s victims, the former teammates commented on their baseball careers, plans for involvement in the sport in the future, and most significantly, about their forthcoming altruistic efforts, during a press conference.
Though Jeter acknowledged that he hadn’t experienced an environmental devastation and destruction similar to that which occurred in 2011, he related his experiences to living in New York during Sept. 11, 2001. Jeter is now hoping to help the children in Japan who are dealing with the disaster’s aftermath, as many of its victims are still coping with losing family members and friends.
“The kids will never forget what happened,” Jeter stated. “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.”
The 40-year-old Matsui also spoke about the charitable actions, discussing Jeter’s participation.
“Having Jeter here is a wonderful thing,” Matsui said. “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.”
According to ESPN, the two will be holding the charity baseball game at the Tokyo Dome on Sunday with participants from a group of student baseball players from the Tohoku region that was devastated by the 2011 disaster that killed over 15,000 people. Ultimately, the baseball game’s profits will go towards helping children in the region. In conjunction with the charity baseball game, Jeter and Matsui will also hold a baseball clinic and participate in a home run derby.
