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SNTV FEATURES Date = 02.04.04 - In Time = 11:29:24 It was all about baseball diplomacy on Wednesday (31 March), as players and officials from the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays were welcomed at the United States Embassy in Tokyo by American ambassador to Japan Howard Baker. Japanese slugger Hideki Matsui presented Baker with one of his own Yankees autographed jersey, appropritate for the man who spent the last week as Japan''s very own baseball ambassador. The two teams wrapped up their 2004 season opening series on Wednesday (31/03), flying back to the United States after splitting a two-game set that electrified Japanese baseball fans. SUGGESTED VOICE-OVER: The United States Embassy in Tokyo is usually reserved for political functions. But on Wednesday, baseball was on the agenda as American ambassador to Japan Howard Baker threw open the doors of his home to welcome the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays for an afternoon reception on the final day of the their season opening week in Japan. The talk was all about balls, strikes and the common ground baseball Americans and Japanese have found through the game. SOUNDBITE: (English) "The United Sattes and Japan may not share a common language, but fans in both countries share a common love for the game of baseball. I have often said that our sport is language that transcends culturual and philosophical boundaries." SUPER CAPTION: Bud Selig, Major League Baseball Commissioner SOUNDBITE: (English) "America''s pasttime has become Japan''s national passion. In fact, a Japanese writer was once quoted as saying ''Baseball is perfect for us. If the Americans hadn''t invented it, we probably would.''" SUPER CAPTION: Howard Baker, Howard Baker, United States Ambassador To Japan Baker was then presented with an autographed jersey of, appropriately enough, Japan''s own baseball ambassador of the moment, New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui, who reflected on this week''s emotional return to his home country. SOUNDBITE: (Japanese) "I appreciate the fact that I had this opportunity. I''m very happy. I''m honoured to be able to start my second season here in Japan. I would like to express my gratitude." SUPER CAPTION: Hideki Matsui, New York Yankees Outfielder The two teams wrapped up their 2004 season opening series on Wednesday, flying back to the United States after splitting a two-game set that electrified Japanese baseball fans and proved once again the power of the game to form a bridge between two very different countries and cultures. 1.00:00 various, exteriors of U.S. Embassy 2.00:09 various, band plays at reception 3.00:20 pan to MLB commissioner Bud Selig talking 4.00:29 SOUNDBITE: (English) Bud Selig, Major League Baseball Commissioner 5.00:47 SOUNDBITE: (English) Howard Baker, United States Ambassador To Japan 6.01:05 Baker presented with autographed Hideki Matsui Yankees jersey 7.01:24 SOUNDBITE: (Japanese) Hideki Matsui, New York Yankees Outfielder 8.various, players and officials pose for photo You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/dbee40e607336a11e5ff457d98507680 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork