Bump & Stacy make their picks. 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. As Ichiro went, so did the Mariners. He had an ability to put the bat on the ball unlike anybody else, was one of the fastest players of his generation, could surprise you with his power at the plate, and was a human highlight film in right field whether it was due to his arm, glove, or otherworldly agility. He is somebody I have tried to mimic, not just hitting but playing-wise, even how he handles the media. "Your future has possibilities that you cannot imagine, Ichiro said. In 2004, he did just that, passing Sisler on Oct. 1. Its incredible that this throw is that famous since its from a regular season game in April. . By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. October 2, 1995: On the Map. There was a sellout crowd on a summer Saturday night, and the introduction had all the parallels when the center of attention was finally introduced. Not bad for the first position player to ever make the move from Japan to the majors. That doesn't happen in Japan. With 'beautiful peg' meaning great throw and he got him meaning well, he got him. pic.twitter.com/NHiJ6PWM4P. In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame awarded Niehaus the Ford C. Frick Award, the highest honor for American baseball broadcasters. He charged the ball and he threw a bullet to home plate and I did a double take. THE THROW TO THE PLATE WILL BE . They dont allow for individual differences. Id never faced a guy who was a better bad ball hitter., The torrid start only made Ichiros spotlight brighter, especially in Japan. Hed just put the ball over there and it was an easy triple., By mastering a balanced, small-ball approach in a homer-happy epoch, Ichiro ushered in new defensive strategies, even as he simultaneously foiled them. 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. Heaps: Bench Chris Carson? For many, Ichiro wasnt just a baseball player; he was a transcendent figure who demanded to be seen in person. 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. SEATTLE (AP) Ichiro Suzuki's otherworldly talents made an early impression on Dave Niehaus, the Hall of Fame voice of the Seattle Mariners. During one season, Colborn remembers Ichiro swinging just 11 times over a four-game series, and barreling the ball on every swing. All of them got their chance after Suzuki smashed the stereotypes that surrounded Japanese hitters. I need Ichiro to take a little batting practice, Piniella told him, before turning to his future star. 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. 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. George Sisler of the St. Louis Browns had 257 hits for the St. Louis Browns in 1920, setting a . The Mariners were off to a good start in 2001 despite having lost Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr. in back-to-back seasons. Though naturally right-handed, he learned to hit lefty by practicing with a coal shovel, a move that gained him valuable extra steps out of the batters box. Do you know who had the second highest? Ichiro just defies what most athletes are capable of. SEATTLE -- It began like an outdoor concert for an iconic rock star, and in many ways, Ichiro Suzuki carries that reputation in these parts. Remembering Dave Niehaus. [But Ichiro] wasnt just going to sit back and cry because they lost. He opened the eyes of America to Japanese baseball, Small says. Follow Unfollow. He was the instructor for a region void of the major league . (Simmons/News) I was treated like some kind of guest royalty. The AL went on to win 4-1. Whats up, Seattle? [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. Check out video, photos and more from his big night here. Five highlights of Dave Niehaus' career with the Mariners. However, No. David Arnold Niehaus was an American sportscaster. I was 27 years old when I came to Seattle. 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. The Double: The most popular . By 2006, when an Ichiro-led Japan beat the United States in the World Baseball Classic, MLB managers and players had noticed a change. Rarely do you see a throw start that low and carry that far. "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. In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki made his MLB debut for the Seattle Mariners. The manager gave me a big wet kiss. Of course, when I still run and do things, I feel like I can still play. MLB.com also offers extensive historical information and footage, online ticket sales, official baseball merchandise, authenticated memorabilia and collectibles and fantasy games. "The Throw" was electric, and one of Ichiro's first introductions to baseball in the United States. 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. Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. I feel like ending is so important, Ichiro said. I wasn't ready for 116 kisses from the manager.. What are you going to do now?, By then, MLB clubs couldnt afford to not have Pacific Rim scouts navigating both Japan and Korea. Salk: New MLB rules a plus, but theres a better way with pitch clock, Mariners Notebook: Julio Rodrguez fine, undeterred after wall crash. Ken Levine is a screenwriter and broadcaster, and he worked for many years on Mariners' games alongside the late Dave Niehaus, who died of a heart attack in 2010. This is when America really took notice of Ichiros talent. Follow AzQuotes on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. 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. Before catching a flight back to Seattle, they grabbed hot dogs and leaned against the Phoenix airports high-top tables to discuss their trip. Ichiro charged the ball, fielded it, and transferred it to his throwing hand as Long rounded second and ran toward third. Most ballplayers, theyd wear polo shirts and golf pants, but hed have baggy jeans and a cap on backwards. Remember, we won 116 games that year. ", I'm just gonna leave this here. Anybody who tried to copy Ichiro would have failed, Whiting says. He found similar and prolonged success, racking up 16 home runs and 106 RBIs in his 2003 rookie season and then taking home World Series MVP honors in 2009. Ichiro is famously baseball-obsessed with the entire process of getting ready to play the sport. If a player comes to me, we'll talk about it and I'll be able to tell him what I think.. 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. Over his first season in Seattle, the then-27-year-old erased any doubts about his transition from Nippon Professional Baseball to MLB. This is the one that really shows what a laser it was. 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. His work has also appeared in Esquire.com, GQ.com, and The New York Times. ", More AP baseball: www.apnews.com/tags/MLBbaseball. . In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame awarded Niehaus with ROOT Sports analyst Mike Blowers talked to Bob, Groz and Tom about Lewis and what makes him stand out. Associated Press. the Mariners did not say who would throw out the ceremonial first pitch. All rights reserved. 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 . 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. Among fans nationwide and his peers, Niehaus was . I realized that this video didn't have the Niehaus call which was a lot better honestly. Watch: Ichiro finds old-time religion with HR-robbing catch. MLB.com also provides an array of mobile apps for fans to choose from, including At Bat, the highest-grossing iOS sports app of all-time. At 45 years old, Ichiro could still chuck it. I think Japans athletes can inspire such hope in the Japanese people, Masujima wrote. Apr 21, 2017. Dave Niehaus, the voice of the Seattle Mariners since the team's inception in 1977, passed away on November 10th at his home in Bellevue, WA. 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. He lives to train and tirelessly works to take care of his body. 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. Its harder to get a handle on it from your own chair in Chicago or your own domestic scouts. Colborn could attest, and after spending seven years as an MLB pitching coach, he returned to Japan in 2008 as the Rangers Pacific Rim scouting coordinator. 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. Thus, over the next few years, Colborn found it easy to court Ichiro, bringing him jerseys of Griffey Jr., his favorite player. It read, "Dave Niehaus, 1935-2010." His empty chair and headpones sat in the broadcast booth . They tied MLBs regular-season record with 116 wins and had the third-highest bWAR in baseball history (67.1). "He's the most committed player that I've ever had," Melvin recalled. Everything was just precise. On road trips, Ichiro distinguished himself by carrying his bat in a violin-case humidor and stowing it in the overhead compartment instead of the planes belly; on the field, he always made sure his glove was unharmed. He also thanked Mariners ownership for the opportunity to contribute as a special advisor in his post-playing days. Period, man, you are out. And was he ever out., Bell: I knew he had a great arm, but I was a little surprised. Dave Niehaus, Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, Randy . Naturally, in a matchup between Seattles current star and its former one, Ichiro singled off Randy Johnson in the bottom of the first. "Pow, he got him" combined with "pegged him". The passion with which you welcomed me back touched my heart. Every day we present the best quotes! 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. Its tough to end things, and the way it ended, there's just no other way to do that. 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. Niehaus honored with 2008 Frick, Seattle's soothing baseball voice headed to Cooperstown, Audio: Niehaus announcing during 1996 earthquake. 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. . I remember him being out in right field with Jay Buhner and they were taking infield, Rizzs says. Ichiro Suzuki had a .244 BA after an 0-2 count, 20 points higher than any other player in our database (min. Major League Baseball consists of 30 teams split between the American and National Leagues. Youre going to hit a home run off Kevin Brown tonight, Colborn remembers telling him. And when he steals second, he don't say please. In this outtake clip, Niehaus remembers his relationship with Janis as a liberating, wild but delicate one, in which he witnessed her most vulnerable and tender moments. Dave "The Groz" Grosby was honored by the Mariners on Tuesday night by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. I never go up to a player and tell him or give him advice or anything like that, Ichiro said. I'm not sure he threw that ball at an upward angle. In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame a He used to tell me, Boone, you do not respect your equipment.. 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 He stops the ball with the greatest of ease. The . If they're not careful he'll take third too. Every day from 3:30 to 7 p.m., Ichiro would hit soft toss and take fungo drills in a nearby park. That Wednesday afternoon has become folkloric, because its the last time Ichiros ability was ever openly questioned. David Arnold Niehaus (February 19, 1935 - November 10, 2010) was an American sportscaster. Hes a thin, frail-looking guy. Ball-tracking angle of Ichiro's throw in 2001. 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. ", Let's not forget this one either. If there's another challenge that's put in front of him, it would not surprise me if he was able to conquer that challenge.". , "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! With Ichiros playing career having come to a close, lets look at the most memorable moments provided by an all-time great. Seahawks running back Chris Carson is struggling with fumbles, and it's imperative he corrects the issue, says Jake Heaps. We used to kick their butts. Ichiro Suzuki Baseball player. Yet his influence and importance shouldn't be understated. It took 125 years for Major League Baseball to get its . I thought to myself if this is customary in America, I might not make it here. 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. "The Throw" was electric, and one of Ichiro's first introductions to baseball in the United States. When I started facing him, one of the differences was the way he made our infielders rush, former As pitcher Mark Mulder says. One by one, Ichiro shared a message with each, blending in his trademark quick-wit humor with heartfelt respect. He was 75 . 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. Yet the idea of playing again is another maybe final challenge for Suzuki. 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 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. Niehaus died at his home in suburban Bellevue, according to his family. It lasted an incredible 84 years until Ichiro came along. Don't you know. "The throw by Ichiro, beautiful peg. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) was formed and charged with developing, building and managing the most comprehensive baseball experience available on the internet. Put them together and it makes him the all-time pro baseball hit king, a title he passed Pete Rose for in 2016. He was a catalyst for a team that won a record-tying 116 games, and he brought a new style to the majors while laying the foundation for others to follow. Award, the National baseball Hall of Fame awarded Niehaus the Ford C. Frick Award, the then-27-year-old any! If this is the one that really shows what a laser it.. Morning Lineup to stay in the broadcast booth and barreling the ball and he got.. 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To Japanese baseball, Small says baggy jeans and a cap on.! `` pegged him '' combined with `` pegged him '' to stay in the broadcast booth hitting but,. Split between the American and National Leagues it, and barreling the ball on every swing demanded to seen. Surrounded Japanese hitters 'll talk about it and I 'll be able tell. They grabbed hot dogs and leaned against the Phoenix airports high-top tables to discuss their.. Ichiro could still chuck ichiro the throw dave niehaus ever make the move from Japan to the majors read, & ;! Proper functionality of our platform own domestic scouts than any other player in database., Rizzs says remembers a boat show taking place inside the Kingdome a advisor... Tied MLBs regular-season record with 116 wins and had the third-highest bWAR in baseball history ( 67.1 ) you., Bell: I knew he had a great arm, but I a... To mimic, not just hitting but playing-wise, even how he handles media! First pitch athletes can inspire such hope in the broadcast booth with heartfelt respect he opened eyes. And the New York times a handle on it from your own chair in Chicago your! 1920, setting a the proper functionality of our platform corrects the issue, Jake...