Ichiro and Matsuzaka Clash Heads While Bowing to Each Other
In a near-tragic incident at Fenway Park just before Opening Day began, Japanese stars Ichiro Suzuki from the Mariners and Red Sox Daisuke Matsuzaka were involved in a violent collision when respectfully bowing to each other before the game.
“There was apparently some confusion as to who should be bowing to whom first,” said a Red Sox official. “Matsuzaka thought he should bow first to the older Ichiro, while Ichiro wanted to warmly welcome Matsuzaka to the Major Leagues. Instead, they kind of awkwardly came forward at the same time, and, man, was there ever a bang. Witnesses say the collision of heads could be heard throughout the park." Both players ended up in the hospital.
The wounds each required several stitches, but both players were able to make it back to the ballpark in time for the start of the game. They apparently suffered deep gaping wounds that bled profusely as they argued with each other on the way to the emergency room about who should have bowed first. Unable to agree, the two players are now both labeling each other disrespectful and have vowed never to speak again.
“Next time I see him, I will still bow,” Matsuzaka said through a translator. “But I will do it from across the field. That guy’s dangerous.”
