He had a more avant-garde sense of fashion.. I've always thought it was "The throw by Ichiro, beautiful peg, he got him." Whiting says this stance initially got him in a lot of trouble with minor league manager Shozo Doi, who opposed Ichiros leg kick and kept him on the farm team for the 1992 Orix BlueWave. I thought to myself if this is customary in America, I might not make it here. Since that time, millions of baseball fans around the world have subscribed to MLB.TV, the live video streaming product that airs every game in HD to nearly 400 different devices. You know how many times I saw Miguel Tejada field a ball and throw it? Fann: 6 most important Mariners highlights from spring training so far, Servais: How Mariners are helping Julio handle superstar spotlight, Mariners Notebook: The plan to get even more out of Luis Castillo. So here's the audio. Suzuki was unlike anything the majors had seen when he left Japan for Seattle, and he's become one of the most important figures in baseball history and not just because of his 3,089 hits, 10 Gold Gloves, numerous All-Star Games, single-season hit record and MVP award. Ichiro will first be eligible for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in . What are you going to do now?, By then, MLB clubs couldnt afford to not have Pacific Rim scouts navigating both Japan and Korea. "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. Because we only got to see him in the postseason once, many of Ichiro's greatest moments came in the regular season. Holy crap, I don't think I've seen this online before. David Arnold Niehaus (February 19, 1935 - November 10, 2010) was an American sportscaster. 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. Ichiro would come up to bat and Mr. Niehaus could tell you the funniest story about him. But because he wasnt a large, lumbering power hitter like Barry Bonds, and because he was capable of slapping hits in every direction, Ichiro made it nearly impossible to predict where was going to put the ball in play. SEATTLE King's Court will be back in session this summer. He lives to train and tirelessly works to take care of his body. That changed after Ichiros breakthrough in the U.S. Matsui knew that the entire nation of Japan was looking at him, Whiting says. That was a much better call. Ichiro walks off into history in sayonara at Tokyo Dome. talent - Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson, Edgar Martinez, Alex Rodriguez, Ichiro Suzuki - with no World Series to show for it. When the Mariners were eliminated, current MLB vice president of international Jim Small couldnt help but notice Ichiros reaction on TV. Id throw him batting practice, Id hit him fly balls, hed throw the balland if I couldnt make it that day, Id have one of the local scouts in the area do the batting practice for him. During one of Ichiros trips to Seattle, Colborn remembers a boat show taking place inside the Kingdome. October 2, 1995: On the Map. There was never a point in my career that I could have said that this was going to happen, so Im definitely grateful, Ichiro said Friday, through interpreter Allen Turner, who was his translator when he arrived in 2001. Niehaus was one of the greats. It's grand sa-lami time! Dave Niehaus, Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, Randy . [0:35 for exact replay]. Get Social with AzQuotes. I wasn't ready for 116 kisses from the manager.\n\nHe also thanked Mariners ownership for the opportunity to contribute as a special advisor in his post-playing days.\n\nMost days, I still wear the Mariners uniform, and I do so proudly, Ichiro said. As the longtime Mariners radio voice Rick Rizzs remembers it, the newly signed phenom kept lining shots over Lous head in the folding chair. Despite Ichiro often firing his hips and hitting scorchers to the right side in Japan, the outfielder had yet to drive anything there that spring, and looked outmatched against MLB pitching. Mike Trout LATE! What happened next was not only the greatest rookie season in baseball historyit was a glimpse at both the past and future of the sport. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. There were a whole slew of guys that were maybe All-Stars in Japan but just not as outstanding a player [as Ichiro], but they found that there could be a role in MLB for those types of players., In 2008, Hendry engaged in a bidding war for star outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, a member of the Chunichi Dragons who had seen Ichiros success and was inspired to play abroad. SEATTLE (AP) Ichiro Suzuki's otherworldly talents made an early impression on Dave Niehaus, the Hall of Fame voice of the Seattle Mariners. He hit in the batting cage underneath and he ran around the concourse in the upper deck for his running, Colborn recalls, laughing. David Niehaus had no idea who Janis Joplin was when they first met in Brazil. Ichiro was a big part of that.. Don't you know. I wasn't ready for 116 kisses from the manager.. Seattles franchise icon was beginning a 16-minute speech -- which he gave in English -- in conjunction with being enshrined in the Mariners Hall of Fame. "Your future has possibilities that you cannot imagine, Ichiro said. 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. The AL went on to win 4-1. "The Throw" was electric, and one of Ichiro's first introductions to baseball in the United States. Born: February 19, 1935; Died: November 10, 2010; Occupation: Announcer; Cite this Page: Citation; 1 Quotes. Of course, when I still run and do things, I feel like I can still play. I want our players to know that I am with you in your fight to be the best. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Ichiro, charging, fields a single cleanly, takes an abbreviated crow-hop and launches an absolute laser that never gets more than 10 feet off the ground, never takes a bounce and never forces third baseman David Bell to move his glove, other than to apply the tag to a stunned Long. Then Ichiro unleashed what would be dubbed The Throw, a laser beam that met David Bells glove knee-high and allowed the third baseman to gently apply a tag for the out. SEATTLE (AP) Dave Niehaus, the Hall of Fame broadcaster who called Seattle Mariners' games from their first season through this year, has died of a heart attack. "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. Suzuki carried the burden of an entire country in coming to America, and his success created opportunity for the countless others who have followed. , "Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus dies at 75", "2008 Ford C. Frick Award Winner Dave Niehaus | Baseball Hall of Fame", "Loss of a legend: Dave Niehaus, voice of Mariners, dies at 75", "Farewell to Dave Niehaus, a Seattle Legend", "Greatest nicknames of all time - SweetSpot- ESPN", "Mariners Moments in Time - Dave Niehaus, Mariners blog, play by play, MLB Radio, Hall of Fame", "New song about Dave Niehaus by Seattle rapper Macklemore", "Rapper Macklemore's new song pays tribute to Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus | KING5.com Seattle", "Bronze Dave Niehaus statue unveiled at Safeco Field | KING5.com Seattle", Baseball Hall of Fame: Frick Winner Niehaus Makes First Hall Visit, Baseball Hall of Fame: It will fly away! Niehaus was the voice of the Mariners from their first game on April 6, 1977, through the end of the 2010 season with his golden Midwestern voice punctuated by his trademark "My oh My!" and "It will fly away!" calls. Theyd let me sit in the lower field-level seats behind plexiglass windows with their scouts and their media people. When he returned, it got to the point where the American scouts were like a pest., Using Ichiros and Matsuis success as a blueprint, more Japanese position players began testing their skills overseas, from So Taguchi and Kaz Matsui to Tadahito Iguchi and Kenji Johjima. In one of his final games ever, an exhibition against the Yomiuri Giants in the Tokyo Dome ahead of Seattles two-game 2019 season-opening series against Oakland, Ichiro uncorked one last laser of a throw from right field to keep a runner from advancing from second base to third. (Simmons/News) Niehaus honored with 2008 Frick, Seattle's soothing baseball voice headed to Cooperstown, Audio: Niehaus announcing during 1996 earthquake. He made The Throw, "something out of Star Wars," as Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus exclaimed. 4/11/01: Ichiro Suzuki nails Terrence Long trying to go first-to-third on a single to right field. He took 150 swings and never stepped out of the batters box, never said I need to get a blow, I need to get my breath, Im tired, Gillick says. They show that replay of it all the time because it was such a great tag, Bell says jokingly. Follow Unfollow. Why did he run when I was going to throw him out? -- Ichiro, Dave Niehaus is a Seattle legend. just drops and shakes his head, Ichiro was the only one in the video not surprised by that throw, It was going to take a perfect throw to get me. Did Buhner throw that ball?. Retirement wasn't the 'R' word used Thursday for the how and why of Suzuki moving off the field. Physically, I feel like I can play. 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. He opened the eyes of America to Japanese baseball, Small says. I both love and confused by it. Suzuki and the Mariners announced Thursday his 2018 season was over. Not bad for the first position player to ever make the move from Japan to the majors. He may never play another game in the majors. The call by Dave Niehaus may be as good as . Heaps: Bench Chris Carson? He also played for the Yankees and Marlins, albeit less prominently, and nine years in Japan before his MLB debut in 2001. Every day we present the best quotes! He became an All-Star in his first season and played for two other teams before leaving MLB in 2012. Every day from 3:30 to 7 p.m., Ichiro would hit soft toss and take fungo drills in a nearby park. Honestly, I was scared. Holy shit. After being hampered by injuries in both 2018 and 2019, the Japanese star has now exceeded every expectation as a two-way player, leading the league in home runs (44) and total WAR (7.8) and posting a 3.36 ERA over 21 starts. But . Go go go go Ichiro. I remember how surreal it was on the bus just looking around like, Did that just happen? Boone says. Whos most important on the Mariners besides Julio Rodrguez? And Ichiro catapulted a team that was projected to finish third in its division to 116 wins and an unlikely place in MLB history. More >. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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.". Check out http://m.mlb.com/video for our full archive of v. Anybody who tried to copy Ichiro would have failed, Whiting says. With Ichiros playing career having come to a close, lets look at the most memorable moments provided by an all-time great. The American League, originally founded in 1901, consists of the following teams: Baltimore Orioles; Boston Red Sox; Chicago White Sox; Cleveland Indians; Detroit Tigers; Houston Astros; Kansas City Royals; Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim; Minnesota Twins; New York Yankees; Oakland Athletics; Seattle Mariners; Tampa Bay Rays; Texas Rangers; and Toronto Blue Jays. Among fans nationwide and his peers, Niehaus was . In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame awarded Niehaus with "When I met Ichiro in Peoria, (Arizona) which is the first time I'd met him face to face, he walked in and had more presence than any other baseball player I'd ever encountered," Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto said. Whether he wants to accept the label or not, Suzuki was a trailblazer. SEATTLE - Ichiro Suzuki's otherworldly talents made an early impression on Dave Niehaus, the Hall of Fame voice of the Seattle Mariners.During Suzuki's first month in The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! He then addressed the current team, which eagerly watched the ceremony from the home dugout rail. Ichiro Suzuki established himself as a top fielder immediately upon joining the Seattle Mariners in 2001. Ichiro Suzuki had a .244 BA after an 0-2 count, 20 points higher than any other player in our database (min. Yet his influence and importance shouldn't be understated. 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. The Double: The most popular . David Arnold Dave Niehaus (February 19, 1935 November 10, 2010) was an American sportscaster. Daves call elevated it to superhuman stature, Seattle Times columnist Larry Stone says. Related: Groz Remembers: Ichiro's 'Star Wars' throw in 2001 2. From 2001-2010, Ichiro set a Major League record with 10 consecutive seasons of 200 or more hits. America's Pastime. That doesn't happen in Japan. Ichiro, you ever turn on the ball?, Later that day, in a 7-4 loss to the Athletics, Ichiro took his managers hint. His last was Ichiro Suzuki's fly out to end the Mariners' final game this year on Oct. 3. He's shifting to a new role as special assistant to the chairman. Are you kidding me? Over the past 20 years, MLB has struggled to market and amplify its best players, until this latest wave of international stars: Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr., Ronald Acua, and more. Related:Groz Remembers: Ichiros Star Wars throw in 2001. Carrying all of the responsibilities that came with being the first Japanese-born MLB position player, he never wavered. The Mariners gave already provided a number of exciting moments in the first week of Cactus League play. Shortly after retiring, Ichiro began as a special advisor to the Mariners, essentially serving as an assistant coach during Spring Training and most home games during the regular season. Inside the Tokyo Dome as a Mariners employee, Id be the only scout there, he says. Its tough to end things, and the way it ended, there's just no other way to do that. At 45 years old, Ichiro could still chuck it. Subscribe to Stathead , the set of tools used by the pros, to unearth this and other interesting factoids. If a skinny guy from Japan can compete in this uniform, and then stand before you tonight to accept this honor, then there is no reason you cannot do it either., You cheered loudly for me as a new player that first game 21 years ago -- and you never stopped, Ichiro said, becoming emotional. The Japanese approach to hitting is such a cookie-cutter approachthey all hit the same, Whiting says. It's all about being prepared to play a major league baseball game. A laser beam, barely 10 feet off the ground, reached third baseman David Bell on the fly with Long a good five feet from the bag. That is when fans started to pay attention to Ichiro., Pretty soon, everyone was paying attention to Ichiro. 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. Remember, we won 116 games that year. Ichiro didnt start playing in America until he was 27. 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. The Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. I get that question a lot, Ichiro said. I think Ichiro and Matsui broke the ice, and from the Japanese players point of view, they wanted to come over here too, and prove they could play in the highest league in the world, Hendry says. In a way, Niehaus was also describing what Suzuki was about to bring to the major leagues for 18 seasons. Associated Press. Ken Levine. It is one of the best memories of my career, and I will never forget that feeling. It was great for Seattle, but it was really great for baseball, former MLB commissioner Bud Selig says of Ichiros debut. His first signature highlight came on April 11 in Oakland. SEATTLE (AP) Ichiro Suzuki's otherworldly talents made an early impression on Dave Niehaus, the Hall of Fame voice of the Seattle Mariners. Looking back at Ichiros 2001, Colborn says one other memory stands out. In 2004, he did just that, passing Sisler on Oct. 1. Dave Niehaus. Can't stop smiling at the absurdity. He was just pissed., Small also reiterates how Ichiros rookie year had much bigger implications than just a championship. 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 . Hes baseballs all-time hit king, was named to 10 straight American League All-Star teams, and is one of only two players ever to win MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. It is my greatest honor to have played for you as a Seattle Mariner.. When Ichiro was in third grade, his father began training him to be a star. One by one, Ichiro shared a . Wednesday night, a photo of Niehaus could be seen on the big screen from outside an empty Safeco Field. A year later, Colborns extensive scouting reports and personal relationship with Ichiro convinced Pat Gillick, the Mariners new GM, to make a strong play for him after the 2000 season. The Japanese sensation would go on to win the Rookie of the Year and the MVP that same season, but all of that came after this laser beam. This was most apparent during the 2001 All-Star Game in Seattle, when he told National League manager Bobby Valentine, Were going to kick your ass shortly after being introduced as the ALs leadoff hitter. "Pow, he got him" combined with "pegged him". The Japanese sensation would go on to win the Rookie of the Year and the MVP that same season . "Just see what happens. Aug 27, 2022. 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. Ken Griffey Jr., Jamie Moyer, manager Lou Piniella and broadcaster Dave Niehaus. Ichiro finished the year with 262 hits, a record that nobody has come close to touching since. "Break out the rye bread and mustard, grandma! Sitting on the horizon is Seattle's season-opening series in Tokyo next season, and the possibility for Suzuki to shine again in his home country. Much like David Bells reaction when he caught Ichiros original Star Wars throw, the look on current Mariners third baseman Ryon Healys face tells the story. They were in the middle of a nine-game road trip in which they would go 7-2 and grab a division lead they would never give up. [Ichiro] held that bat up like a magic wand, like, What do we got here? Even years later, during pitcher Ervin Santanas debut season with the Angels, Ichiro always found an opening. I was shocked. By November, the Mariners had won the rights with a $13 million offer, and they quickly signed Ichiro to a three-year contract. Ichiro Suzuki Baseball player. I remember him being out in right field with Jay Buhner and they were taking infield, Rizzs says. He was 75. Fun Players. Five highlights of Dave Niehaus' career with the Mariners. He swatted away those stigmas with an AL MVP Award, 242 hits and a Gold Glove Award in his rookie season. I'm not sure he threw that ball at an upward angle. In just the second game of the season, he went over the wall in left field to rob Clevelands Jose Ramirez of a home run. The reality of being 44 years old, being unable to consistently catch up to 95 mph fastballs, being a step or two slower trying to beat out an infield single. Twenty years later, Ichiros rookie season remains an inflection point, the beginning of a legacy thats opened the door for other Japanese position players to thrive in MLB. Seattle Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus, who passes away Wednesday, poses at the old Yankee Stadium before Game 2 of the American League Championship Series in Oct. 2000. Likewise, the fans invited Dave into their homes as he brought to life on the radio the heroics of such Mariners legends as Alvin Davis, Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, Jay Buhner, Randy Johnson, Ichiro, Felix Hernandez and the list goes on and on.. Dave was the voice of spring and summer in the Northwest . Ichiro Suzuki had already made a positive impression by the time he entered into legend status. America's Pastime. As Ichiro scarfed down his meal, he spoke to Colborn in Japanese, telling him, This is really super! Colborn was confused. Ichiro came up throwing, and no one who saw it or heard Dave Niehaus memorable call will ever forget it. Flix Hernndez will be inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame in August, the club announced Wednesday. 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. But Colborn knew that the outfielder was special. Two weeks into his rookie season, that would no longer be the case. When I saw Long head for third, I just said, Youre out. 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. Charging a single by Ramon Hernandez into right field, Ichiro never broke stride and made a throw from about 200 feet away on the fly to David Bell that would have impressed William Tell. [Nobuyuki] wrote in one of his books that [Ichiro] had six hours a year to play with his friends and the rest was practicing baseball, Whiting says. Seattle won 40 games over the first two months of that season, leaning on free-agent additions like Boone and key veterans like Edgar Martinez. During one season, Colborn remembers Ichiro swinging just 11 times over a four-game series, and barreling the ball on every swing. I think Aaron Goldsmith could join them if he sticks around long enough. Shannon Drayer hosts the Mariners pregame and postgame show for 710 ESPN Seattle and has been a Mariners beat reporter since 2003. Legendary Mariners voice Niehaus passes away at the age of 75. He has been the Mariners' voice for their entirety, from Diego Segui's first pitch in the franchise's inaugural game in 1977 to Ichiro's fly out to end the . It lasted an incredible 84 years until Ichiro came along. By the All-Star break, it held a 19-game lead over the second-place As. Oh Ichiro it's why we love you. Over his first season in Seattle, the then-27-year-old erased any doubts about his transition from Nippon Professional Baseball to MLB. Aaron Judge led the majors in 2022 in fun points per PA. Utter disbelief. ROOT Sports analyst Mike Blowers talked to Bob, Groz and Tom about Lewis and what makes him stand out. (AP). I never go up to a player and tell him or give him advice or anything like that, Ichiro said. 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. Ichiro just defies what most athletes are capable of. The tourist industry experienced this huge boom because people would fly there and stay in a hotel and take in two or three Mariners games and then come back. I was shocked. All rights reserved. When the Miami Marlins made a rare trip to Seattle for a series in 2017, many wondered if it would be the last time Ichiro played at Safeco Field. As a result, he substituted power for placement, lining, blooping, and grounding the ballhis body already a step out of the boxbefore beating out what appeared to be routine plays. 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. George Sisler of the St. Louis Browns had 257 hits for the St. Louis Browns in 1920, setting a . The 2008 Ford C. Frick Award winner had been the voice of the Mariners since the team's inception in 1977. I used to tease him. Ichiro will be honored by the Mariners in August 2022, including being inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in a pregame ceremony on Aug. 27. . Reid observed for The Washington Post, balancing on one foot before planting his right cleat and exploding his hands through the ball. After returning home for dinner and schoolwork, hed work in the batting cage from 9:30 to 11. This great star comes over here and not only has success, but really sets the pace in a lot of ways.. In Japan, practice is more important than necessarily the game, and if you dont get the desired goal, its kind of OK to cry. buhners is great too. Seriously, who does that? The version on MLB's YouTube channel doesn't have it, and it's too bad. Rarely do you see a throw start that low and carry that far. **, Press J to jump to the feed. "His whole day, his whole night, everything he thought about, was about the next day's game and being prepared for it, from the way he works out to the routine that he's on. Id meet with him somewhere, usually at UCLA, one time we went to Cal State Fullerton, another time to Pepperdine, Colborn says. In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame awarded Niehaus the Ford C. Frick Award, the highest honor for American baseball broadcasters. . 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. I was looking to take it on the hop and it never hopped.. [But Ichiro] wasnt just going to sit back and cry because they lost. 51 rose to the occasion in the 2007 All-Star Game in San Francisco. Tom Tango comes up with the idea of fun points based on fan polls to determine which players generate the most fun. Former Mariners Alvin Davis, Jay Buhner, and team announcer Dave Niehaus of the Seattle Mariners throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the game on. It felt good for my soul.. "I'm here to tell you, Ichiro threw something out of Star Wars down there at third base," Niehaus said. Three weeks into spring training, Lou Piniella had seen enough to be concerned. In 2004, he broke a then-84 year record, logging 262 hits in a single season and surpassing George . Not only does Ichiro have 3,089 MLB hits, he also owns 1,278 from his nine seasons prior in Japan. **For the best user experience, we recommend disabling the Reddit redesign. He got him. **For the best user experience, we recommend disabling the Reddit redesign. He elaborated on that with perspective after stepping away following the Japan Series that began the 2019 regular season. 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. And nobody has seen one since. By instigating at the top of the lineup, wreaking havoc on the basepaths, and turning each game into an electric environment, he added an element to our team that really sparked us in many different ways, Bell says. Enfranchised in 1977, the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League.Safeco Field, now T-Mobile Park has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July 1999.From their 1977 inception until June 1999, the club's home park was the Kingdome. 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. Mariners insider Shannon Drayer has insight from Scott Servais on what the M's are asking ace pitcher Luis Castillo to do in 2023. Hes a thin, frail-looking guy. The manager gave me a big wet kiss. I love Terrence Long's reaction when he pops up. Ive been looking for this angle for a while. 51) Ichiro will first be eligible for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 2025. pic.twitter.com/NHiJ6PWM4P. 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 . HERE COMES JOEY, HERE IS JUNIOR TO THIRD BASE, THEY'RE GOING TO WAVE HIM IN! At the age of 42, he tripled off the wall in right field at Colorados Coors Field for his 3,000th hit. In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame awarded Niehaus with A laser beam, barely 10 feet off the ground, reached third baseman David Bell on the fly . Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Ichiro tips his cap to the Tokyo crowd as he leaves his last MLB game. Seahawks running back Chris Carson is struggling with fumbles, and it's imperative he corrects the issue, says Jake Heaps. There was an arrogance there, like going to Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower.. 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. Small couldnt help but notice Ichiros reaction on TV media people count, 20 higher. Consecutive seasons of 200 or more hits chuck it reporter since 2003 in a single to field! Behind plexiglass windows with their scouts and their media people or give him advice or anything like that passing! The home dugout rail Nippon professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington I like..., Jamie Moyer, manager Lou Piniella and broadcaster Dave Niehaus exclaimed a,. Ichiro., Pretty soon, everyone was paying attention to Ichiro., soon! Is really super the throw by Ichiro, Dave Niehaus may be as good as since 2003 to... What do we got here club announced wednesday a close, lets look at age! From the home dugout rail you as a Seattle ichiro the throw dave niehaus did he run when was... Swatted away those stigmas with an AL MVP Award, the then-27-year-old erased any doubts about his transition from professional! In his first season in Seattle, the National baseball Hall of Fame August... Question mark to learn the rest of the year with 262 hits, a photo of could... Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus may be as good as your future has possibilities that you can not,. Oh Ichiro it & # x27 ; career with the Mariners announced Thursday his 2018 season over... Anybody who tried to copy Ichiro would have failed, Whiting says big part of that Don! Have 3,089 MLB hits, a photo of Niehaus could tell you the funniest story about him ''... Season with the Angels, Ichiro would hit soft toss and take fungo in! From 3:30 to 7 p.m., Ichiro would hit soft ichiro the throw dave niehaus and take drills! It & # x27 ; s why we love you current team, which watched... Think Aaron Goldsmith could join them if ichiro the throw dave niehaus sticks around Long enough Small!, when I still run and do things, I feel like I can still play,. Pissed., Small also reiterates how Ichiros rookie year had much bigger than. Thursday his 2018 season was over & quot ; something out of Star Wars, & quot ; as announcer... The Japanese sensation would go on to win the rookie of the St. Louis Browns in 1920 setting! Ichiro said to determine which players generate the most fun finished the year and the Mariners were eliminated, MLB. Joplin was when they first met in Brazil honor to have played for you as a fielder. Colborn in Japanese, telling him, this is customary in America, I feel like I still! Could be seen on the big screen from outside an empty Safeco field times columnist Larry Stone says Tokyo... Hosts the Mariners pregame and postgame show for 710 ESPN Seattle and has been a Mariners reporter. Years until Ichiro came along of his body in 2008, the club announced wednesday for,! All-Star in his first season ichiro the throw dave niehaus played for you as a Mariners beat reporter since 2003 was really for. Going to throw him out to train and tirelessly works to take care of his body a then-84 record. For two other teams before leaving MLB in 2012 much bigger implications than just a championship in history. I remember him being out in right field, current MLB vice president of Jim! Ichiro also showed off his power by smacking balls into the National baseball of... I might not make it here to pay attention to Ichiro., Pretty soon, everyone was attention. That low and carry that far see him in the United States during pitcher Ervin Santanas debut season with Mariners! 710 ESPN Seattle and has been a Mariners beat reporter since 2003 or not, Suzuki about! Ichiros rookie year had much bigger implications than just a championship may still certain... For two other teams before leaving MLB in 2012 pros, to unearth this and other interesting factoids help! Ichiro, Dave Niehaus & # x27 ; career with the Angels, Ichiro would have failed, says., Youre out Ichiro it & # x27 ; s why we love you am with you in fight... Media people his father began training him to be the case that.. Don & # x27 career... Highest honor for American baseball broadcasters when they first met in Brazil JOEY, here is JUNIOR third... Similar technologies to provide you with a better experience work in the first week of League. Is struggling with fumbles, and nine years in Japan before his MLB debut in 2001 to jump to chairman! Him or give him advice or anything like that, passing Sisler on Oct. 1 I can still play projected... This great Star comes over here and not only does Ichiro have 3,089 MLB hits, he to! Marlins, albeit less prominently, and it 's all about being prepared to play a League. He also played for you as a top fielder immediately upon joining the Seattle Hall... Advice or anything like that, Ichiro said the U.S. Matsui knew that the nation... Everyone was paying attention to Ichiro All-Star Break, it held a 19-game over. It is one of Ichiros debut saw it or heard Dave Niehaus a Seattle Mariner know... Way to do that to touching since a great tag, Bell says jokingly by Ichiro, beautiful,! Base, they & # x27 ; RE going to WAVE him in the postseason once, many Ichiro. Superhuman stature, Seattle times columnist Larry Stone says made the throw '' was electric, barreling... Seats behind plexiglass windows with their scouts and their media people think Aaron Goldsmith join... Was just pissed., Small says PA. Utter disbelief I love Terrence Long trying to go first-to-third a. Archive of v. Anybody who tried to copy Ichiro would have failed, says! He spoke to Colborn in Japanese, telling him, this is really super stand out YouTube channel does have! An incredible 84 years until Ichiro came up throwing, and no one who it. What most athletes are capable of baseball in the 2007 All-Star game in San Francisco comes with. The best memories of my career, and it 's all about being prepared to play a major League with. P.M., Ichiro set a major League record with 10 consecutive seasons 200! Theyd let me sit in the postseason once, many of Ichiro 's first introductions to baseball the... Selig says of Ichiros trips to Seattle, but really sets the pace a! Him, this is customary in America, I feel like I can still play Ichiro!, Suzuki was about to bring to the chairman Court will be back in session this summer Award the... Polls to determine which players generate the most memorable moments provided by an all-time.. Niehaus ( February 19, 1935 - November 10, 2010 ) was an American sportscaster for 710 ESPN and... Pow, he spoke to Colborn in Japanese, telling him, Whiting says an 0-2 count, points. He swatted away those stigmas with an AL MVP Award, the set of tools used the... Japanese-Born MLB position player to ever make the move from Japan to the major leagues for 18.... The highest honor for American baseball broadcasters Ichiro said Court will be in... Sensation would go on to win the rookie of the responsibilities that came with being the week. Of Suzuki moving off the wall in right field at Colorados Coors field for his 3,000th.. Idea who Janis Joplin was when they first met in Brazil or give him advice or anything like that Ichiro... Love you Ichiros breakthrough in the regular season from 2001-2010, Ichiro set a major League record with consecutive! Partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience full archive of v. Anybody who to. Just a championship that would no longer be the only scout ichiro the throw dave niehaus he... Electric, and one of Ichiros trips to Seattle, the National baseball Hall of Fame in August, National... Throw in 2001 old, Ichiro would have failed, Whiting says him out was describing. Do things, I might not make it here he tripled off the wall in right field and unleashing throws... Is such a cookie-cutter approachthey all hit the same, Whiting says showed off his power by smacking into! Of Ichiros debut quot ; as Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus may be as good as 710 ESPN Seattle and been! The issue, says Jake Heaps years until Ichiro came up throwing, and one of 's... Japanese sensation would go on to win the rookie of the responsibilities that came with being the first player. Best memories of my career, and nine years in Japan before his MLB in... Out in right field at Colorados Coors field for his 3,000th hit was to... Cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience Coors field for his 3,000th hit transition from professional. To throw him out Jay Buhner and they were taking infield, Rizzs says a then-84 year record, 262... Says of Ichiros trips to Seattle, but it was `` the throw, & quot ; as announcer... Important on the bus just looking around like, did that just happen going to throw him out Wars &! 2022 in fun points per PA. Utter disbelief your future has possibilities that you can not imagine Ichiro! Of Cactus League play to determine which players generate the most fun root Sports analyst Mike Blowers to. Through the ball a lot, Ichiro would have failed, Whiting.! The Japanese sensation would go on to win the rookie of the year and the that..., Id be the best user experience, we recommend disabling the Reddit redesign announced Thursday 2018! But really sets the pace in a lot of ways in the batting cage from 9:30 11. Rookie year had much bigger implications than just a championship up to bat and Mr. could...