Will Matsuiland take off like Mannywood?
The Dodgers have Mannywood.
A group of Angels fans is countering with Matsuiland.
The fans sat in the right field stands during the Angels' Freeway League series opener against the Dodgers on Friday, each holding up homemade signs with one of the 10 letters forming the tribute to Angels designated hitter/outfielder Hideki Matsui. They plan to hold up the signs again Monday night in Section 327, Row M, when the Angels open the regular season against the Minnesota Twins.
Matsuiland is Angel fans' version of the Dodgers' section of left field known as Mannywood, named in honor of left fielder Manny Ramirez's Hollywood appeal. The Angels fans have started their own website in honor of Matsui (though it mostly appears to hawk Matsui memorabilia) and hope the Angels come on board with their marketing idea, which they say combines the magic of Matsui and Disneyland.
"Hideki has always impressed us with his humble approach," fan Claude Bilodeau said. "When he played in New York, he was always overshadowed by that big-name roster, and we want him to get his recognition."
Here's one suggestion for Matsuiland: Move it above the Angels' dugout, since that's where Matsui figures to spend most of his time as the team's primary designated hitter.
-- Ben Bolch
