If there’s something we ought to know about Hideki Matsui by now, it’s that he’s not one for breaking the rules. So when he hit his ninth inning walk-off home run off of Jim Johnson in last night’s 2-1 victory against the Orioles, he made sure to throw his helmet in the air.

Apparently, it’s the rules.

According to Hideki, who was speaking through a translator, “I was just going to step on home plate, just normally, but they told me to throw my helmet. So I threw my helmet…I’ve never done it before, so yeah, in that sense, yes, it’s a little uncomfortable, but I’d like to follow whatever the team’s rules are.”

I don’t know from rules when it comes to helmet-throwing and walk-off home runs. If there’s some kind of etiquette involved, I’m unaware of it.  We’ll likely have to refer to the unpublished diaries of Emily Post to help us solve that mystery. Regardless, only Hideki could turn an act that is meant to be an expression of whimsical, care-free excitement into a display of his respect for tradition.  Even though it made him uncomfortable.  Sort of like that time he dressed up like a pimp during Rookie hazing.  For Hideki, one’s duty to one’s team is not something to be scoffed at.

Hideki’s game-ending shot capped off what’s been an excellent month for him thus far. It was his fifth home run in July, as well his 14th RBI.  A nice turnaround given how much he’d been struggling in the former half of the season.  Going into the month, he was coming off of nine days of rest for his ailing knees, and apparently it was just what he doctor ordered.

Let’s hope so, anyway.  With a little less than half the season to go, Hideki’s is a bat we could use in our lineup – as long as it’s working effectively.

Last night’s victory — our fourth in a row — put us in a first place tie for the division.  Pettitte deserves some of the credit for this one as well – he pitched not only a solid one-run outing, but a long one at 7 and 1/3 innings. It’s been a while since we got one of those out of him — since his second start of the season to be exact. Hinske also deserves a tip of the helmet.  We can attribute out other run to his solo shot – his fourth home run in five games as a Bomber.  We don’t mind that.

Ultimately, however, it was Hideki’s night.  If you really want to feel good about life, watch the video highlight on mlb.com –  behold the majesty of the moment. And don’t be offended by Hideki’s Joba-like uncharacteristic display of emotion.  Remember, he did it for the rules.