When Daisuke Matsuzaka helped Japan take home the 2009 World Baseball Classic crown on the back of his second straight WBC MVP

At the 2009 World Baseball Classic (WBC), Daisuke Matsuzaka was a part of the Japanese squad and was crucial to them successfully defending their title.

Matsuzaka participated in the 2006 World Baseball Classic as a pitcher for Japan. The first World Baseball Classic MVP was announced after Team Japan's 10-6 victory against Team Cuba in the championship game.

The Japanese baseball legend reflected upon winning his second straight MVP in the 2009 WBC. Matsuzaka won the Classic MVP twice, and the 2007 World Series while playing for the Boston Red Sox. As reported by MLB.com, Matsuzaka said:

"It's not something that everybody can experience, and it's not something that everybody can earn," said Matsuzaka, who defeated Team USA to put his country into the final game. "So I feel that I'm very lucky. I'm really thankful about the MVP. I didn't think that it was going to be me at all."

Matsuzaka currently works as a YouTuber, reporter, critic, and color commentator for baseball.

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WBC had a lasting effect on Daisuke Matsuzaka

By winning three games for Japan en route to winning the 2009 World Baseball Classic, Daisuke Matsuzaka enhanced his standing as a national hero.

Some filth from Dice-K. In 2009, Daisuke Matsuzaka was named World Baseball Classic MVP for the 2nd consecutive tournament. - World Baseball Classic

With a 3-0 record and a 2.45 ERA, Matsuzaka pitched brilliantly to win MVP honors for the second time.

Who will shine amongst the best during the #WorldBaseballClassic? - World Baseball Classic

Matsuzaka decided not to participate in the 2013 World Baseball Classic for the Japanese team. Without Matsuzaka, the squad made it to the semifinals, but a 3-1 loss to Puerto Rico in that round prevented them from winning their third straight championship.