Posted on 09/15/2019 1:54:08 PM PDT by CaliforniaCraftBeer
After being presented with the Mariners Franchise Achievement Award -- the first player to receive the honor -- Ichiro talked for five minutes [without his interpreter] about his appreciation for the support he received in Seattle and across the Major Leagues after coming to the U.S. to pursue his baseball dreams. “This is a happy occasion...When I came to Seattle in 2001, no position player had ever come from Japan before. The one you got was 27 years old, small and skinny. “And I know, you had every reason not to accept me. However, you welcomed me with open arms and you have never stopped, even when I left and came back. I was so grateful for the chance to return in 2018, and the reason is you fans."
(Excerpt) Read more at mlb.com ...
He was a hell of a player. Hate to see him go.
“Two outs? So what!”
Not a baseball fan, but my son took me to a game and I saw Ichiro hit a home run. The crowd loved him.
He’s a player. Never seen him take a day off and just go through the motions. If you’re paying him to play, you expect him to give a 100%. It’s all I ever seen him do. He was fun to watch, I wish more players played like him. The game BS sucks sometime but it seemed like he didn’t. I watched when the guys weren’t paid big bucks, they just loved the game (maris, Mantle, Aaron, Mayes). Big stars, small bucks. I think Ischiro played like that.
The Mariners haven't had a lot of great players, but Ichiro is right up there with Ken Griffey Jr and Randy Johnson, all left-handers BTW.
Can’t you just picture his little routine as he steps into the batter’s box?
Junior, pre NYY A-Rod and Jay Buhner yes, then there’s always over looked 3b-DH Edgar Martinez. In 1995 won his second batting title...in his prime was as tough an out with runners on as anyone baseball.
My kids grew up in Kobe watching him play for our local team. It was always fun to see him lift one leg before cracking a pitch into the outfield, often for a base hit.
I was fortunate to see Randy Johnson throw his 1st no-hitter in June 1990 against Detroit, still have the ticket stub.
Ichiro has always been a class act and a very good player.
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