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SPORTS Friday 22 March 2019

‘sayonara’

Continued from Page 17 Ichiro was 0 for 5 in the
two regular-season games
“After the reception I got against the A’s in Tokyo,
today, how could I possi- leaving him with 3,089 hits
bly have any regrets?” he in 19 seasons — a sure Hall
said. “I couldn’t play well of Fame resume. He had
enough in spring training to 1,278 before that over nine
earn an extension.” years in Japan, making
Ichiro went 0 for 4 in his fare- him baseball’s all-time hits
well. In his last at-bat, he leader.
came up with two outs, a Ichiro struggled in spring
runner on second and a tie training with only two hits
score in the eighth. He hit a in 25 at-bats. And in two
slow grounder to shortstop exhibition games in Tokyo
and, still hustling the whole against the Tokyo Giants
way, was barely thrown out he was 0 for 6.
at first. “I really wanted to play un-
He took his spot in right til I was 50, but I couldn’t do
field in the eighth, then was it,” he said. “It was a way of
pulled by manager Scott motivating myself and, if I’d
Servais and the walk into never said it, I don’t think I
history began in front of a would have come this far.”
sellout of 45,000. He strolled Ichiro praised his country-
in, turned and waved to men, who are famous for
the crowd with all of the being reserved. Not to-
usually reserved Japanese night. Not on this night.
fans on their feet. “Japanese people I have
To chants of “Ichiro, Ichiro, always thought don’t in
Ichiro” he was greeted at general express them-
the dugout — and later in selves,” he said. “But to-
the dugout — by emotion- day’s experience blew that
al embraces from team- away. They were incredibly
mates. passionate tonight.
Yusei Kikuchi, the Japanese “When I look back on my
rookie pitcher who started career, I know I will re-
the game in his big league member today as the most
debut, openly broke down memorable day, without a
crying when he embraced doubt.” Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki returns to the field for waiting fans after Game 2 of the
Ichiro. For years, Ichiro’s at-bats Major League baseball opening series against the Oakland Athletics at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo,
Kikuchi later took a full min- were must-see TV in his Thursday, March 21, 2019.
ute to compose himself be- homeland, with fans tun- Associated Press
fore responding about Ich- ing in during breakfast and any games. Last year marked the ar- Ichiro became a one-word,
iro’s impact. And he cried their morning commute. Ichiro was a 10-time All-Star, rival of two-way sensation household name in Seattle.
when the two embraced in A star before he left, he an AL MVP and Rookie of Shohei Ohtani. It was only right his final pro-
the dugout after the game. became an even bigger the Year and won 10 Gold Ohtani said he watched fessional game came with
“Since spring training to sensation once he proved Gloves. He set the record highlights of Ichiro’s final that team.
this day, Ichiro told us it is that yes, a Japanese hit- with 262 hits in a season game when he woke up at But it was time for Suzuki to
a gift for him to play in To- ter could indeed succeed and wound up with a .311 Los Angeles Angels’ camp step away. Suzuki hit .205 in
kyo,” Kikuchi said speaking across the ocean in the batting average. in Arizona. 44 at-bats and all nine of his
through a translator. “But majors. He became one of the “I still can’t believe it,” he hits last season were singles.
for me, he gave me the He said he’d probably train most important figures in said through a translator. This year, too often, Suzuki
greatest gift that I can play Friday, keeping up his work- baseball history, and not “I won’t be able to see him looked like a 45-year-old
with him.” out routine, but wasn’t sure just because of his stats play anymore but I’ll still trying to hang on.
Yet when Mariners team- what comes next. He joked and awards. have all the memories.” Ichiro admitted he badly
mate Dee Gordon bowed, he lacked the “charisma” Ichiro carried the burden of At the New York Yankees’ wanted to get a hit in To-
Ichiro broke into a laugh — to be a manager. an entire country in com- spring training site, New kyo. And his fans always
like, “not necessary, bro.” “I’ll be known as the ‘Man ing to the United States, York Yankees pitcher Ma- wanted to see him play in
Oakland players stood sol- Formerly Known as Ichiro,”” and his success created sahiro Tanaka said it was the World Series — his teams
emnly and watched cam- he cracked. opportunity for the count- hard to describe Ichiro’s made it to the playoffs just
era flashes and iPhones Ichiro’s retirement had less others who have fol- legacy on aspiring players twice, never advancing to
catch the historic scene. been anticipated for a lowed. Whether he wants in Japan. the Fall Classic.
All over the stadium signs while. to accept the label or not, “It’s too grand of an im- He expressed no regrets,
read: “Ichiro we love you” The outfielder returned to Suzuki was a trailblazer. His pact. I can’t even put however. Well, maybe one.
and “Ichiro is Life.” Fans the Mariners before the influence and importance them into words,” Tanaka “I had 3,089 hits in Ameri-
wore his famous No. 51 in start of the 2018 season, shouldn’t be understated. said through a translator. ca,” he said. “But I think my
all shades, colors and from then transitioned last May He preceded Hideki Mat- As for the reception at wife — who always makes
all eras. into a role as the special as- sui, who had a stellar ca- Ichiro’s finale, he added: me rice balls before games
The fans got one more sistant to the chairman that reer with the New York Yan- “I think that atmosphere, — said she made 2,800 rice
chance to salute when he allowed him to still be with kees, by two years. In the it only happens to special balls. So I wish I could have
came back on the field the team and take part years since, players like Nori players. You sense respect. played long enough so
after the game and ac- in pregame workouts, but Aoki, Kosuke Fukudome Because of who he is, that she could have hit 3,000 as
knowledged their ovations. meant he could not play in and Kaz Matsui followed. happened today.” well.”q