Dear Ichiro,
I know the old cliché goes, “chicks dig the long ball,” but I’m sure you have never had a problem winning over the hearts of Major League Baseball, and the world with your finesse slapstick offense prowess.
But to only credit your offense is such an unfair assessment for how truly great you were to the Seattle Mariners, Major League Baseball, and even helping players from Japan as being such a transcendent player. Your whole game is one that will surely get you into Cooperstown in the first ballot your name appears on. (If you ever retire, that is.)
Your defense in the outfield was always an absolute joy to watch. I’m sure your one-handed grabs made Little League coaches livid every time they saw a youngster try to emulate your cool demeanor out there. (Sorry, coach.)
But you also were so lethal in a lineup because of your ability to work counts, draw walks, and oh, did I mention hit like almost no one else ever has (excluding Pete Rose)? Your speed on the base paths was also so impeccable that it made you the ideal leadoff hitter for a team that could never quite muster up a middle of the lineup to bring you in.
It was your routine day in and day out, from when you got in the batter’s box, stretching in the outfield between pitches, and lulling pitchers and catcher to sleep with your coolness on the bases. There is a reason you are still playing at 43, and actually could make it to 50 if you wanted to. You truly are one of the greatest to play the game, and what is the best about it is that you did it so differently from everyone else.
Then there is the impact you made internationally. You made me really want to study Japanese culture and I even took Japanese, thinking of you every time we did number exercises. Then, of course, you made the games watchable when I was growing up because you were the highlight. My only regrets I have in my life are not being able to ever see you or Ken Griffey Jr. in action at Safeco Field. What I worry was my last chance on Wednesday was ruined by having to take a test.
My favorite part about you was how you made me take a different approach to how I looked at baseball. I was obsessed with sluggers and power pitchers that hit 100 miles-per-hour on the radio gun, but you were the sole person to make me excited to see a single in the first inning because I knew you were a powder keg waiting to happen.
Anyways, I wanted to dedicate my final article to you, number 51. I always will wish you the best, and I really hope that I can make it to your retirement ceremony when you eventually hang up those cleats. You meant everything to me, Seattle, and every single one of your fans. Thank you for all you have done.
Sincerely,
A lifelong fan.
A little extra for you Ichiro and Mariners fans:
Ben Gibbard’s tribute to Ichiro right after he was traded.
Just a taste of how good Ichiro was.
Also, this one is always great.
And finally, my all-time favorite.
