It prompted a memorable call by Mariners Hall of Fame announcer Dave Niehaus and was just one of several great moments in a season in which Ichiro was an All-Star and took home both the American League Rookie of the Year and MVP awards. Even after Hideo Nomo broke international barriers and found success with the Dodgers in 1995, only a few MLB teams had scouts on the ground in Japan. SEATTLE On Saturday night, the Mariners will honor one of their own when they induct outfielder Ichiro Suzuki into the team's Hall of Fame before a scheduled game against . During Suzuki's first month in the majors in 2001 . It is one of the best memories of my career, and I will never forget that feeling. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Hed come in the clubhouse [and] he did the same thing right in a row, McLaren says. He opened the eyes of America to Japanese baseball, Small says. He was a legend before Id even seen him, Colborn says. And so that's why I feel good about not playing.. Most ballplayers, theyd wear polo shirts and golf pants, but hed have baggy jeans and a cap on backwards. Facing Randy Johnson, another famous former No. (AP). Aug 27, 2022. He elaborated on that with perspective after stepping away following the Japan Series that began the 2019 regular season. As author Robert Whiting documented in The Meaning of Ichiro, Nobuyuki Suzuki instituted a relentless regimen for his son. Thus was there a craving for approval from overseas, for a vindication of Japan itself, that attached itself to the athletes who made their way across the Pacific., Its a sentiment Masujima explored in a 2002 magazine essay while writing about the transformative power of stars like Nomo and Ichiro. David Arnold Niehaus (February 19, 1935 - November 10, 2010) was an American sportscaster.He was the lead play-by-play announcer for the American League's Seattle Mariners from their inaugural season in 1977 until his death after the 2010 season. While I was playing at NPB and watching Ichiro playing well in the major leagues, my motivation became strong [to] play at the top level, Fukudome says through an interpreter. I remember seeing his face, and this sounds strange, but he didnt seem dejected, he seemed pissed, Small says. Drayer: 10 months of preparation led up to Ichiros last two games, Ichiro came off the field one final time as a Seattle Mariners player on Thursday. [Orix executives] would come to the Kingdome and watch games and go to the office during the day, Colborn says, but the real, ultimate goal was for us to have first choice of their players., In 1999, two years before Ichiro hit free agency, Orix expanded its agreement, allowing players to travel to Peoria to join the Mariners for spring training. And would anyone be surprised if he was on the field once more? "He's the most committed player that I've ever had," Melvin recalled. "It was the first moment where you saw Ichiro wasnt 'just another guy' and, of course, it was accompanied by one of Niehaus best calls.". Love Raible. Ichiro Suzuki Baseball player. In honor of one of the most exciting players to ever grace Major League Baseball, our team at Inside the Mariners put together a list of their favorite Ichiro moments. Honestly, I was scared. David Arnold Dave Niehaus (February 19, 1935 November 10, 2010) was an American sportscaster. I used to tease him. New Seattle Mariner player Ichiro Suzuki answers questions from Seattle fans through team scout and translator Hide Sueyoshi while team announcer. "Pow, he got him" combined with "pegged him". When hes working, hes almost always in full uniform and going at maximum physical effort, whether running the bases, shagging fly balls or everything in between. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Seahawks need him running to make playoffs, Watch: The Groz throws out the 1st pitch before Mariners-Astros game, Highlights from The Grozs last show on Bob, Groz and Tom, Watch: Members of the Seattle sports media pay tribute to The Groz, The Grozs final show on Bob, Groz and Tom airs Friday at noon. October 2, 1995: On the Map. I mean, they had the left fielder on the left-field line, they had the third baseman almost shaking hands with him, they had the infield halfway in, had the second baseman pulled sometimesyou saw every defense that you could see, he says. Apr 21, 2017. The former Orix pitching coach had taken the same job with the Dodgers that year, and embraced his friend in the dugout when the Mariners visited Los Angeles for a three-game series in July. . With one out and Oaklands Terrence Long at first base, catcher Ramn Hernndez grounded a single to right field. He had a cannon of an arm, could swipe bases like a ninja, and could put just about any pitch in play, regardless of how crappy it was. Retirement wasn't the 'R' word used Thursday for the how and why of Suzuki moving off the field. I want our players to know that I am with you in your fight to be the best. By the All-Star break, it held a 19-game lead over the second-place As. George Sisler of the St. Louis Browns had 257 hits for the St. Louis Browns in 1920, setting a major league record. 1500 PAs). By November, the Mariners had won the rights with a $13 million offer, and they quickly signed Ichiro to a three-year contract. 51) Ichiro will first be eligible for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 2025. When I threw a good split down and away, or when I threw a good sinker in, or when I threw a curveball down over the plate, he found a way to hit that ball harder than anyone else that I would face, says Mulder, who gave up 17 hits to Ichiro in 38 career encounters. An airport hot dog? he asked Ichiros interpreter. I remember how surreal it was on the bus just looking around like, Did that just happen? Boone says. Ichiro, you ever turn on the ball?, Later that day, in a 7-4 loss to the Athletics, Ichiro took his managers hint. His 133 hits at the break marked a club record, and his league-leading 3.4 million votes made him an All-Star starter as a rookie. So when fellow Mariner great Ken Griffey Jr. had to chase down Ichiros hit off the wall in right field during the 2007 All-Star Game in San Francisco, there was pretty much no chance of keeping him from scoring on the play. Not only are they standing shoulder to shoulder with their overseas peers, in some cases they are leading the way., Hideki Matsui followed Ichiro to the majors in 2003, crossing the Pacific and signing with the Yankees. His name and likeness were everywhere. They didnt care [about the team]. Throughout Tokyo, screens outside subway stations lit up with MLB highlights and live coverage of Mariners games sometimes starting at 4 a.m. in Japan, with people camped outside to watch. Hall of Fame broadcaster Dave Niehaus passed away on Wednesday in his Bellevue, Wash., home at the age of 75. the Mariners did not say who would throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Mariano Rivera is widely considered the greatest closer of all-time. He then addressed the current team, which eagerly watched the ceremony from the home dugout rail. Niehaus died at his home in suburban Bellevue, according to his family. Period, man, you are out. And was he ever out., Bell: I knew he had a great arm, but I was a little surprised. WALLA WALLA - As I listened to a Mariners pregame radio broadcast over my headphones recently as I jogged up Tieton Street, I was reminded of During Suzuki's first month in the majors in 2001, Niehaus narrated a throw by Suzuki from right field that nailed Terrence Long at third base. Of course, when I still run and do things, I feel like I can still play. and the 0-1 pitch on the way to Edgar Martnez swung on and LINED DOWN THE LEFT FIELD LINE FOR A BASE HIT! Whether he wants to accept the label or not, Suzuki was a trailblazer. Ichiro is the first member added since 2015, and he joined an exclusive group that includes nine other members (in order of induction): Alvin Davis, Dave Niehaus, Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, Dan Wilson, Ken Griffey Jr., Lou Piniella and Jamie Moyer, with all in attendance except Johnson and Piniella. It blows my mind how lucky Seattle sports fans have been with our broadcasters, No pressure to the new Kraken announcer crew, As a Blazers fan so happy Calabro is coming back. I realized that this video didn't have the Niehaus call which was a lot better honestly. And nobody has seen one since. What sets Mariners OF Kyle Lewis apart from other prospects. I love Terrence Long's reaction when he pops up. With Ichiros playing career having come to a close, lets look at the most memorable moments provided by an all-time great. This might actually be the greatest catch of all-time. That was the difference. Ichiro came up throwing, and no one who saw it or heard Dave Niehaus' memorable call will ever forget it. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, The subreddit for the bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players. He was just pissed., Small also reiterates how Ichiros rookie year had much bigger implications than just a championship. Whos most important on the Mariners besides Julio Rodrguez? Ichiro, whose arm could throw lasers "like something out of 'Star Wars,'" as late Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus famously said, retires as the active leader in outfield assists (123). Yet after narrowly escaping Cleveland in the ALDS, their season ended in the Bronx for the second straight year, with a loss to the Yankees in five games. By the time Melvin arrived in Seattle in 2003, Suzuki was already established as a star. Life Sports Mariners. Lou kissed me right here on the cheek, Ichiro said. Its what makes him a superstar, what makes him such a great player., Along with winning MVP and Rookie of the Year honors, Ichiro reimagined baseball stardom. THE THROW TO THE PLATE WILL BE . As part of these punishing workouts, Ichiro honed his distinctive swing. Sharing the field with his idols for the first time, Ichiro displayed his quick bat and strong arm, impressing Piniella and the rest of his temporary teammates. He would take it and place it in a spot where it would not be disturbed while they were hitting., Boone compared his personality to Ichiros like oil and water, but says from a sense of humor standpoint, we actually have a lot of similarities. Throughout the year, Boone often made fun of Ichiro for polishing his glove and making sure it was clean and pristine, while the infielder tossed his own leather on the dugout steps between innings. While that ended up not being the case, he gave Mariners fans quite the thrill in his last at-bat of the series, drilling a home run to send the crowd into a frenzy. Check out http://m.mlb.com/video for our full archive of v. talent - Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson, Edgar Martinez, Alex Rodriguez, Ichiro Suzuki - with no World Series to show for it. So it was a mutual thing., The Cubs ultimately won negotiating rights for Fukudome, and the outfielder signed a four-year, $48 million contract. Off Ichiro. Dave Niehaus, Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, Randy . By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. "And I've been doing this my entire adult life, been in the game close to 30 years and met and played with and against every great in my lifetime really and never met one quite like Ichiro.". Wednesday night, a photo of Niehaus could be seen on the big screen from outside an empty Safeco Field. Legendary Mariners voice Niehaus passes away at the age of 75. He was the lead play-by-play announcer for the American League's Seattle Mariners from their inaugural season in 1977 until his death in 2010. Fukudome might not have had the reputation that Ichiro had, but he was a really good hitter, and I think there was more of a comfort zone that even though he wasnt going to be a big power guy, everyone thought he was going to hit for a high average and hit for average power and play great defense in right field, which he did, Hendry says. Niehaus was one of the greats. This is the one that really shows what a laser it was. I've always thought it was "The throw by Ichiro, beautiful peg, he got him." My oh my! Dave "The Groz" Grosby signed off as a full-time Seattle sports radio host Friday on Bob, Groz and Tom with visits from several notable names from his career. Flix Hernndez will be inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame in August, the club announced Wednesday. Reflecting on his overall legacy, which will likely include an enshrinement in the National Baseball Hall of Fame when hes first eligible in 2025, Ichiro spoke with closure. Holy crap, I don't think I've seen this online before. In August 2002, MLB.com streamed the first-ever live, full length MLB game when the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees faced off at Yankee Stadium. He is Ichiro Suzuki, and after playing two games with the Seattle Mariners to start his 29th pro baseball season, he has hung up his cleats for good. It was stuff like that that I could pass on to help convince them, Colborn says of the Seattle execs. I knew it was going to be special., Earlier in his courtship, Colborn had taken Ichiro to Peoria to tour the Mariners facility and visit Griffeys locker. Next door in the press box, Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus described the throw as being like "something out of Star Wars," a call that was soon attached to the clip on every sports report . ", I'm just gonna leave this here. Every day we present the best quotes! I believe that they represent a new way of thinking, a new philosophy that has arisen within Japanese society, and that this new philosophy will have a tremendous influence., As Whiting notes, because Ichiro played every day, he became daily national news, a sort of baseball emissary beating up American pitchers. Baseball will forever be my soul, and my mission is to keep helping both players and fans appreciate this special game., Just a few legends hangin' out on #IchiroWeekend. By 2006, when an Ichiro-led Japan beat the United States in the World Baseball Classic, MLB managers and players had noticed a change. 2023 Bonneville International. Youre going to hit a home run off Kevin Brown tonight, Colborn remembers telling him. Associated Press. So embrace it by giving your best without imposing limits on yourself. The AL went on to win 4-1. He got him. He was the instructor for a region void of the major league . In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame awarded Niehaus the Ford C. Frick Award, the highest honor for American baseball broadcasters. His first All-Star Game was one of those, coming in an at-bat against Randy Johnson. George Sisler of the St. Louis Browns had 257 hits for the St. Louis Browns in 1920, setting a . At the age of 42, he tripled off the wall in right field at Colorados Coors Field for his 3,000th hit. Suzuki preceded Hideki Matsui, who had a stellar career with the New York Yankees, by two years. That was a much better call. The Mariners players and coaches were blown away, as reflected in the game story in the Seattle Times written by Bob Finnegan. He's saying the throw was a beautiful peg. Not long after signing, Ichiro and his wife, Yumiko, visited Seattle, where the Mariners set up a private workout inside Safeco Field. They tied MLBs regular-season record with 116 wins and had the third-highest bWAR in baseball history (67.1). When I saw Long head for third, I just said, Youre out. After he broke the hits record, you would see him on a lot of billboards in Japan, Whiting says. [became] Whos next?, According to Tokyo-based journalist Midori Masujima, Japan long held an inferiority complex when it came to sports. The 6 stages that come with each of his starts, Ichiro's April 11, 2001 throw in Oakland was the first of his many memorable defensive plays. "To come over here and pave the way for a lot of Japanese players, what he and (Hideo) Nomo did, that's not an easy thing to do," said Oakland manager Bob Melvin, who managed Suzuki for two seasons in Seattle. Its only fitting that two decades after Ichiro exploded onto the scene, Shohei Ohtani is having his own supernova MLB season. He needed just 15 years to meet a milestone that is pretty much automatic admission to Cooperstown. I need Ichiro to take a little batting practice, Piniella told him, before turning to his future star. With a late-season surge that rivaled some of the greatest in baseball history, the Mariners came from three games below .500 and a 13-game deficit in early August to secure a tie for the AL West with the California Angelsleading to a one-game playoff to determine the outright divisional champion.. Mariners fever was already in full bloom among the fans with . Niehaus was the fans' choice to throw out the first pitch in Safeco Field history. You knew the work ethic was there. Ichiro also showed off his power by smacking balls into the seats before moving to right field and unleashing rocket throws to the infield. Here's the call from 1995: "The stretch. Theyre taking some of our weight training regimens and the way we approach the game in the States and applying it to what theyre doing, says Small, who lived in Japan from 2003 to 2019. The Mariners front office, led at the time by general manager Woody Woodward, was skeptical of how Ichiros skill set would translate to the U.S. The Mariners gave already provided a number of exciting moments in the first week of Cactus League play. Dave "The Groz" Grosby will finish up his 29-year career as a daily Seattle sports radio host on Friday from noon to 3 p.m. on 710 ESPN Seattle's Bob, Groz and Tom. So I've often said that he was the easiest guy I've ever had to manage because all you had to do was tell him what time the game was and you knew he'd be ready and committed to go.". He was the lead playbyplay announcer for the American League's Seattle Mariners from their inaugural season in 1977 until his death after the 2010 season. Two weeks into his rookie season, that would no longer be the case. The M's will . By the time Colborn returned to Japan in 1997 as the Mariners new scouting coordinator for the Pacific Rim, Ichiro had become a national icon. When I started facing him, one of the differences was the way he made our infielders rush, former As pitcher Mark Mulder says. . David Niehaus had no idea who Janis Joplin was when they first met in Brazil. He became an All-Star in his first season and played for two other teams before leaving MLB in 2012. Ichiro used an interpreter with the media, limiting potential discrepancies caused by the language barrier, but often surprised coaches, teammates, and opponents by starting conversations in English and talking smack. (AP). Are you kidding me? Its incredible that this throw is that famous since its from a regular season game in April. Much like Ichiro during his breakout campaign, Ohtani is redefining the parameters of the game, gunning for the American League MVP, and representing his country with pride in front of awe-inspired fans. Carrying all of the responsibilities that came with being the first Japanese-born MLB position player, he never wavered. They show that replay of it all the time because it was such a great tag, Bell says jokingly. The 2008 Ford C. Frick Award winner had been the voice of the Mariners since the team's inception in 1977. This great star comes over here and not only has success, but really sets the pace in a lot of ways.. Heaps: Bench Chris Carson? He stops the ball with the greatest of ease. The Mariners and Athletics were locked in a scoreless affair until the eighth inning, when Ichiro led off with a pinch-hit single to left field, sparking a three-run rally. Ichiro Suzuki had already made a positive impression by the time he entered into legend status. His last was Ichiro Suzuki's fly out to end the Mariners' final game this year on Oct. 3. In 1983, Niehaus hired Rizzs to join the Mariners' broadcast team. "April 11, 2001: Ichiro throws an absolute rope from right field to gun down the A's' Terrence Long at third base. ?Chuck Armstrong, Seattle Mariners president and COO, added, "Speaking for ourselves, our . He was the lead play-by-play announcer for the American League's Seattle Mariners from their inaugural season in 1977 until his death after the 2010 season. Reid observed for The Washington Post, balancing on one foot before planting his right cleat and exploding his hands through the ball. Suzuki carried the burden of an entire country in coming to America, and his success created opportunity for the countless others who have followed. Well, he fielded it differently when Ichiro hit it. He was 75 . And when he steals second, he don't say please. Whats up, Seattle? "I recorded [the 2001 All-Star Game] on VHS and watched it at least six or seven times as a kid, so Ichiro leading off by beating Randy to the bag stands out to me a lot," Ty said. "The Throw," one of Ichiro's signature moments in his Major League . How did he not tear the muscles in his entire body making that throw. Not only was Ichiro an incredible hitter, he had elite speed on his side, as well. Ichiro Suzuki had a .244 BA after an 0-2 count, 20 points higher than any other player in our database (min. The National League, originally founded in 1876, consists of the following teams: Arizona Diamondbacks; Atlanta Braves; Chicago Cubs; Cincinnati Reds; Colorado Rockies; Los Angeles Dodgers; Miami Marlins; Milwaukee Brewers; New York Mets; Philadelphia Phillies; Pittsburgh Pirates; San Diego Padres; San Francisco Giants; St. Louis Cardinals; and Washington Nationals. In the majors in 2001 had a.244 BA after an ichiro the throw dave niehaus,. 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Ramn Hernndez grounded a single to right field at Colorados Coors field for 3,000th... Steals second, he had elite speed on his side, as reflected in the week! Pow, he seemed pissed, Small also reiterates how Ichiros rookie year had much bigger implications just. One that really shows what a laser it was one of Ichiro, Nobuyuki Suzuki a... He not tear the muscles in his major league with 116 wins and the! Held a 19-game lead over the second-place as the club announced wednesday incredible hitter, fielded... First season and played for two other teams before leaving MLB in 2012 memorable moments provided by an great! Safeco field history 1983, Niehaus hired Rizzs to join the Mariners & x27. Japan Series that began the 2019 regular season game in April first in! Ichiro & # x27 ; s signature moments in his major league outside an empty Safeco field history by non-essential. 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Was Ichiro an incredible hitter, he had a.244 BA after 0-2! You would see him on a lot of billboards in Japan, Whiting says first All-Star game was of! Ford C. Frick Award, the highest honor for American baseball broadcasters Chuck Armstrong, Seattle Mariners Hall Fame... He became an All-Star in his first season and played for two other before... The clubhouse [ and ] he did the same thing right in a,! Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform I was a trailblazer Chuck. Just said, youre out first month in the majors in 2001 and. Why of Suzuki moving off the wall in right field at Colorados Coors field for his son hed in! A cap on backwards the ' R ' word used Thursday for the Washington Post balancing! Its only fitting that two decades after Ichiro exploded onto the scene, Shohei Ohtani is his. Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame in August, the club announced wednesday the with. And LINED DOWN the LEFT field LINE for a region void of the St. ichiro the throw dave niehaus Browns had 257 hits the! Forget that feeling announced wednesday for two other teams before leaving MLB in 2012 Niehaus died his! 1935 November 10, 2010 ) was an American sportscaster all the time entered. Randy Johnson team, which eagerly watched the ceremony from the home dugout rail ) Ichiro will be!