Mat-Su, or Matsui?

One of the challenges in promoting our destination is people have little idea where the Mat-Su is. Our advertisements usually contain a map along with a southside view of Mount McKinley.

Even people who live in Alaska aren't sure of the size or location of our borough. How many times have I had to repeat or spell out our business name to the caller on the other end of the line? "Mat-Su? How do you spell that?"

From the Little Susitna River to Lake Louise and Denali State Park, our borders include endless visitor opportunities.

The No. 1 lesson we have learned in promoting the Mat-Su Valley to Outside visitors is we have to include the word "Alaska" in our name.

We have also decided the abbreviated version Mat-Su is easier and less confusing than Matanuska-Susitna. But I want to get past educating visitors and really hit a home run and I think I have a great idea.

One of baseball's hottest players this season is a new recruit from Japan and his name is Hideki Matsui (pronounced mat-suee). He plays rightfield for the New York Yankees and has a big following of fans. His nickname is "Godzilla," apparently for his fearsome reputation in hitting home runs. When Matsui comes to the plate his name is announced to millions of viewers. What if we were able to get him to be our spokesperson? Think of the publicity.

Remember when snowboarder Rosie Fletcher was favored to win a medal at the last winter Olympics? I can still picture her photo posted everywhere with her Web site address stenciled on her helmet, getting worldwide advertisement.

What if we got Matsui to come to Alaska to take batting practice on Mount McKinley? Or, catching a whopper king salmon in the Mat-Su Valley? Big mountain, big fish, big batting average, big public relations campaign.

With all the new direct Japanese flights this summer I bet it would be easy to fill the seats with a pitch from Matsui to visit the Mat-Su Valley in Alaska.

Plus, I really love baseball as do most Americans. And, this could help attract more fans to our Mat-Su Miners games at Hermon Brothers Field. They could host a "Hideki Matsui Night" and have him sign autographs and play catch with the kids.

Back in New York City the writers at the New York Times would have a field day with the storyline of Matsui in Mat-Su. All the things he did when he was in Alaska (and the Mat-Su Valley!) like land on a glacier on North America's tallest peak and catch a 40-pound king salmon.

And then there are always the giant "Godzilla" 100-pound cabbages to connect to Matsui.

I think a visit by Matsui would generate a lot more press than when Martha Stewart came to Alaska several years ago.

Maybe the Discovery Channel would come film and scientifically describe the effects of the altitude on Mount McKinley have on hitting a baseball.

But I just looked at the Yankee's schedule and through the end of the season in late September they have a total of 14 off days and that includes 3 days for the All Star break in July which Matsui will most likely be on the American League roster.

Baseball players obviously don't get any vacation days in summer.

I have a feeling Matsui would love a chance to visit Alaska -- our research reveals just about anyone would love to visit Alaska. At least we can invite him. And that is what I am going to do.