TSUYOSHI SHINJO'S POST 2003 SEASON NEWS
Shinjo back in Japan and signs
Shinjo held a press conference on Nov 20 to officially state he will play with the Nippon Ham Fighters. He will wear number 1. He's estimated to have signed a 2 year contract for 2 billion yen. The Fighters' homeground from next season is Sapporo, northern Japan. He explained that he chose the Fighters because it was the first team to approach him with an offer.

Shinjo choses to play in Triple A
Shinjo was on July 14. designated for assignment by the NY Mets. The choice left for him was to be traded, released or outrighted by his club And on July 25 he signed with Triple-A Norfolk.

TSUYOSHI SHINJO WITH THE NEW YORK METS IN 2003
June 27
Shinjo at last was hitting well. He drove the ball to left field in the 4th inning. He had another hit towards left in the 6th inning. But the Mets lost to the NY Yankees 4 to 6. The next day, Shinjo was unfortunately demoted to AAA minor league.

June 20
Shinjo came face to face with NY Yankees' Hideki Matsui for the first time since he played in Japan. On this first day of the subway series, Shinjo started. He was fabulous out in the field. He killed a runner trying to get to 3rd. He also caught a home run ball, with a perfect jump. He also got himself on base. But his team lost to the NY Yankees 0 to 5.

May 24
Shinjo contributed out in the field. In the 9th inning, the Atlanta Braves had 2 runners on base, and the Mets ahead by only a run. The Braves Julio Franco hit the ball to center, and Shinjo gave a super throw to home base killing the runner Chipper Jones, and ending the game. The Mets won 6 to 5.

May 21
Shinjo started as the 8th batter. In the 3rd inning, he slammed his first home run of the season. In the 5th inning, he was hit in the leg. In the 7th, he got himself on base. The Mets clinched the game from the Philadelphia Phillies in the 9th inning to win 5 to 4.

May 6
Shinjo had 3 hits this time. He didn't earn an RBI, but the Mets beat the LA Dodgers 3 to 2.

May 2
At last Shinjo had multiple base hits. He hit 2 and earned an RBI. His team won 9 to 3 over the Milwaukee Brewers, but after the game when Shinjo spoke to reporters he didn't seem too happy with the game.

April 18
Shinjo was on the starting line up and he was able to get himself on base. The Mets defeated the Florida Marlins 6 to 3.

April 8
Shinjo started for the first time this season, and he was in good shape. He first popped up a sacrifice fly to earn an RBI. He had 3 consecutive base hits after that. His team beat the Florida Marlins 4 to 2.

April 3
Although Shinjo had a terrific spring camp, hitting well, he was given a chance to play for the first time this season. And he was only as a pinch hitter. He grounded the ball to shortstop, and that was it. The Mets lost to the Chicago Cubs 3 to 6.

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