Daisuke Matsuzaka: Dice-K, WBC MVP and World Series Champion
Daisuke Matsuzaka: Dice-K, WBC MVP and World Series Champion
The 2006 WBC MVP who won the 2007 World Series with Boston — the first man to claim both. Here is the career of Daisuke Matsuzaka.
Daisuke Matsuzaka — “Dice-K” — was one of Japan’s most celebrated pitchers. He was MVP of the inaugural 2006 World Baseball Classic, then joined the Boston Red Sox in a high-profile move and won the 2007 World Series — becoming the first player to win both a WBC and a World Series.
1. WBC MVP
A global breakout.
Matsuzaka went 3–0 to be named MVP of the first World Baseball Classic in 2006, leading Japan to the inaugural title.1
2. The Red Sox move
A record posting.
The Boston Red Sox won his rights with a posting bid of over $51 million, then signed him to a six-year contract — one of the biggest moves of the era.1
3. World Series champion
A title in year one.
In his first MLB season he helped Boston win the 2007 World Series, winning Game 3. A strong 2008 (18–3, 2.90 ERA) followed. He remains the first player to win both a WBC and a World Series, and retired in 2021.1
4. Why he matters
A symbol of Japanese pitching prestige.
“Dice-K” carried huge expectations to MLB and delivered a title, part of the proud line of Japanese pitchers from Nomo to Darvish.
Frequently asked questions
What did Daisuke Matsuzaka win in 2006?
He was MVP of the inaugural World Baseball Classic, going 3–0 as Japan won the title.
What did he achieve with the Red Sox?
He won the 2007 World Series in his first MLB season.
What is his unique distinction?
He was the first player to win both a World Baseball Classic and a World Series.
Keep exploring
Explore the stories, systems and culture behind Japanese sport.
Sources & notes
- 2006 WBC MVP (3–0); Red Sox posting bid >$51M; 2007 World Series champion (won Game 3); 2008 18–3, 2.90 ERA; first to win both WBC and World Series; retired 2021. Wikipedia; Britannica.
A profile dated 21 June 2026. No copyrighted material is reproduced.
📅 更新履歴
| 日付 | 変更内容 |
|---|---|
| 2026年6月22日 | 初回公開 |
✅ ファクト再検証
最終検証日：2026年6月22日
SportsPulse 編集部が公開情報をもとに内容を確認しています。情報は確認時点のものです。最新情報は各公式サイトをご確認ください。