On May 11, 2006 — Hideki Matsui’s streak of playing in every game since starting his MLB career with the Yankees in 2003 ends at 518 games as the left fielder breaks his left wrist attempting to make a diving catch. The 31 year-old Japanese star established the big league record for consecutive games to start a career, surpassing Hall of Fame infielder Ernie Banks, who played in 424 contests at the start of his playing days with Cubs from 1953-56.
Going back to his days in Nippon Pro Baseball, he had appeared in 1,768 consecutive games. Matsui had played in 1,250 straight for the Yomiuri Giants from August 22, 1993, through 2002.