Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. ó Hideki Matsui chuckled Thursday while recounting his big week. Yes, the Yankees slugger really did get married and win a bet with teammates Derek Jeter and Bobby Abreu at the same time.
Matsui made the wager at the start of spring training about who would wed first, then flew to New York on his off day Wednesday to get married.
Matsui said Jeter, who claimed not to have a girlfriend, has one year to get married to win the bet. Yankees outfielder Bobby Abreu, who said he has a girlfriend, has six months to win the bet.
Since Matsui said he knew six months ago he was going to get married, he was able to pull a fast one on his teammates, who both said Thursday they would play off their losses immediately.
“He won,” Jeter said. “I’m going to give him the money today.”
The amount of wager was not disclosed.
“I’m happy for him,” Abreu said. “I’ll have to send him a check.”
Jeter didn’t believe reporters at first when told about the marriage. He went to Matsui’s locker to confirm it.
“Yeah, I’m surprised,” Jeter said. “Good for him.”
Even Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who was informed about Matsui’s wedding this week, got a good laugh out of it.
“Sometimes you should get all the information before you make a bet,” Girardi said.
When asked if he got married just to win the bet, Matsui laughed and said “Maybe.”