New York Mets outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo arrived back in Japan on Thursday after finishing off an exceptional "rookie" season in which he became the first Japanese to bat in the clean-up position for a major-league team.
Shinjo, whose ability to play in the majors was questioned from the moment he announced his plans to go to the Mets last winter, exceeded all expectations, playing in 123 games while compiling a .268 batting average with 10 home runs and 56 RBIs.
The former Hanshin Tigers' star is most remembered for being the first Japanese in the majors to lift his team to victory with a "sayonara" homer and performed with a flair defensively in the Mets' outfield as well as offensively.
"My goal was to stay a year in the majors and I accomplished this. I feel this was really a fulfilling year. I can say that I'm 100 percent satisfied with my performance," a smiling Shinjo told reporters at Narita Airport.
Shinjo, who declared himself a free agent during last year's off-season, snubbed a multiyear contract with the Tigers and a couple of other Japanese teams to play with the Mets.
He became an automatic hit among New Yorkers who took a liking to his flashy comments and even flashier fashion.
"Every day was really fantastic. I might get tired of it a little by next year, but I'll do my best so that I won't," Shinjo said.
"You can leave the record-setting to Ichiro (Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners), leave the memory-making to me," he added, referring to the times he came through in the clutch for the Mets.
Meanwhile, Montreal Expos hurler Masato Yoshii also arrived back in Japan on Thursday after a less-than-spectacular season.