I mean Forslund is already loved by the hockey community, I don't see how he doesn't succeed as our play by play. 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. 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. 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. 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. However, No. 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. "Break out the rye bread and mustard, grandma! Feb 17, 2012 - Dave Niehaus. 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. At 45 years old, Ichiro could still chuck it. 1. his size limits his ability to throw over the intermediate middle, and hubris is preventing him from ceding control or reining in his preferred style of play (meaning he no longer runs with the football, and opts to take . talent - Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson, Edgar Martinez, Alex Rodriguez, Ichiro Suzuki - with no World Series to show for it. Ichiros 2018 run with the Mariners may not have lasted long, but it at least produced one special play that made everybody remember why he means so much in Seattle. , "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! ?Chuck Armstrong, Seattle Mariners president and COO, added, "Speaking for ourselves, our . For the rest of the year, Ichiro and the Mariners didnt slow down. 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. Hes funny in that way., We just wanted to see that in a game, Piniella later told the media, a statement that Seattle Times reporter Bob Sherwin interpreted the next day: Everyone can now take a deep breath.. Most ballplayers, theyd wear polo shirts and golf pants, but hed have baggy jeans and a cap on backwards. 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. In 1983, Niehaus hired Rizzs to join the Mariners' broadcast team. The passion with which you welcomed me back touched my heart. 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. He says, I mean I can walk around without having people bug me, Colborn says. The Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. New Seattle Mariner player Ichiro Suzuki answers questions from Seattle fans through team scout and translator Hide Sueyoshi while team announcer. He needed just 15 years to meet a milestone that is pretty much automatic admission to Cooperstown. In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame awarded Niehaus with Ichiro, you ever turn on the ball?, Later that day, in a 7-4 loss to the Athletics, Ichiro took his managers hint. 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. Now, of course, there's two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani. 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 . 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. 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. Rounding third and heading for home. In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame awarded Niehaus the Ford C. Frick Award, the highest honor for American baseball broadcasters. I feel like ending is so important, Ichiro said. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. But when he met Ichiro in 2009, it was the Mariners legend who provided the classic moment. Anybody who tried to copy Ichiro would have failed, Whiting says. Remember, we won 116 games that year. Beats the throw. Cant wait to hear his excitement very soon! Probably heat of moment combining of phrases. Ichiro charged the ball, fielded it, and transferred it to his throwing hand as Long rounded second and ran toward third. Scott Servais explains how to help the CF handle 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. 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. One by one, Ichiro shared a . In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki made his MLB debut for the Seattle Mariners. Holy crap, I don't think I've seen this online before. I remember him being out in right field with Jay Buhner and they were taking infield, Rizzs says. David Arnold Niehaus was an American sportscaster. Why did he run when I was going to throw him out? -- Ichiro, Dave Niehaus is a Seattle legend. Tom Tango comes up with the idea of fun points based on fan polls to determine which players generate the most fun. During one season, Colborn remembers Ichiro swinging just 11 times over a four-game series, and barreling the ball on every swing. I thought to myself if this is customary in America, I might not make it here. 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. But Colborn knew that the outfielder was special. And when he steals second, he don't say please. . From 2001-2010, Ichiro set a Major League record with 10 consecutive seasons of 200 or more hits. Game after game, the Mariners skipper had watched Ichiro Suzuki slap and bloop and pepper fastballs everywhere between left field and the third-base dugout. That Wednesday afternoon has become folkloric, because its the last time Ichiros ability was ever openly questioned. In 2004, he broke a then-84 year record, logging 262 hits in a single season and surpassing George . Physically, I feel like I can play. 24. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. I remember it being almost in slow motion. His breakthrough offered a glimpse of the sports past and future, all while distinguishing him as a singularly timeless talent. Physics says he had to have put a little arc on it but I'm not sure. And would anyone be surprised if he was on the field once more? [became] Whos next?, According to Tokyo-based journalist Midori Masujima, Japan long held an inferiority complex when it came to sports. Ichiro finished the year with 262 hits, a record that nobody has come close to touching since. 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. As Ichiro went, so did the Mariners. ", More AP baseball: www.apnews.com/tags/MLBbaseball. Every time I faced him, our team would shift and theyd leave the gap between left and center, and that was easy money for him, says Santana, who now plays for the Royals and allowed the third most hits to Ichiro of any pitcher. Every day we present the best quotes! Not only does Ichiro have 3,089 MLB hits, he also owns 1,278 from his nine seasons prior in Japan. With 'beautiful peg' meaning great throw and he got him meaning well, he got him. 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. I wasn't ready for 116 kisses from the manager.. Somebody needs to sync that up. Niehaus honored with 2008 Frick, Seattle's soothing baseball voice headed to Cooperstown, Audio: Niehaus announcing during 1996 earthquake. When the Mariners were eliminated, current MLB vice president of international Jim Small couldnt help but notice Ichiros reaction on TV. 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. 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. 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 followed up with a steal of second base in what was his first exposure on a big national stage in America. 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. He comes back to the dugout, getting ready to walk down the steps to take his helmet off, and he says, Is that turn on ball, Lou? McLaren says. Remembering Dave Niehaus. Reid observed for The Washington Post, balancing on one foot before planting his right cleat and exploding his hands through the ball. It was great for Seattle, but it was really great for baseball, former MLB commissioner Bud Selig says of Ichiros debut. He may never play another game in the majors. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. With one out and Oaklands Terrence Long at first base, catcher Ramn Hernndez grounded a single to right field. Ichiro didnt start playing in America until he was 27. His first All-Star Game was one of those, coming in an at-bat against Randy Johnson. 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. But . So on March 20, 2001, following an early lunch with bench coach John McLaren, Piniella headed to batting practice at the Mariners complex and called over Ted Heid, Seattles Pacific Rim scout and Ichiros temporary interpreter. . Colborn predicted that a bid of $10 million would win Ichiros negotiating rights, but Yamauchi wanted a failsafe number and threw in a couple extra million of his own money. Joe Fann details the six biggest. I went, What was that? As author Robert Whiting documented in The Meaning of Ichiro, Nobuyuki Suzuki instituted a relentless regimen for his son. Whether he wants to accept the label or not, Suzuki was a trailblazer. 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. The Japanese had been waiting their entire lives to compete against major league players, Small says. Ichiro received the most votes for the 2001 All-Star Game, the first rookie ever to do so. Five highlights of Dave Niehaus' career with the Mariners. 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. 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. From the beginning: Hired to be the Mariners' play-by-play voice for their first season in 1977, Niehaus witnessed 5,284 of the team's 5,385 games. I was 27 years old when I came to Seattle. 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. [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. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dave_Niehaus&oldid=1131339054, College basketball announcers in the United States, Articles with unsourced statements from February 2008, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Owner: Baseball Club of Seattle, LP, represented by CEO, This page was last edited on 3 January 2023, at 18:27. Ken Levine. ", I'm just gonna leave this here. He really didnt have time to fit into group dynamics.. 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. 2023 Bonneville International. David Arnold Dave Niehaus (February 19, 1935 November 10, 2010) was an American sportscaster. "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.". I saw this angle 20 years ago and have been looking for it ever since. 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 . In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame awarded Niehaus the Ford C. Frick Award, the highest honor for American baseball broadcasters. Bell says the roster was full of professional, consistent players, but adds, I wouldnt say there were guys that were superstar players or elite, unbelievable athletes. Ichiro was the exception. Ichiro Suzuki had already made a positive impression by the time he entered into legend status. In the bottom of the inning, Aaron Sele was inching closer to a shutout when Oakland center fielder Terrence Long led off with a single. \n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","type":"rich","width":550},"type":"oembed"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"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. I could never imagine my career in America would last 19 seasons and that I would still be in Seattle today.","type":"markdown"},{"__typename":"ExternalEmbed","data":{"__typename":"ExternalEmbedContent","html":", What is your favorite Ichiro moment? The 2008 Ford C. Frick Award winner had been the voice of the Mariners since the team's inception in 1977. Life Sports Mariners. The . 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. When I returned in 2018, it was as if I never left. Hes a thin, frail-looking guy. Its tough to end things, and the way it ended, there's just no other way to do that. 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 - 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 How did he not tear the muscles in his entire body making that throw. 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. October 2, 1995: On the Map. Ken Griffey Jr., Jamie Moyer, manager Lou Piniella and broadcaster Dave Niehaus. Mike Trout He would become the first Japanese-born MLB player to be inducted. Does anyone know what exactly the broadcaster says here? Dave Niehaus, Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, Randy . "Just see what happens. He is a great model to follow., Indeed, Ichiros 2001 season provided a master class in unflappability, a model for excelling while living in a fishbowl existence. "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. Heaps: Bench Chris Carson? That was a much better call. [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. Love Raible. Do you know who had the second highest? Paraphrasing the writer in his 2021 book Tokyo Junkie, Whiting explains this stemmed from an inability to prevail in international sports events, save for the odd marathon or judo triumph. His defensive acumen and acrobaticshis speed, arm strength, and daring pursuit angles on fly ballsearned him a Gold Glove award in right field. . HERE COMES JOEY, HERE IS JUNIOR TO THIRD BASE, THEY'RE GOING TO WAVE HIM IN! Do you know who had the second highest? Over the first half of his rookie season, Ichiro changed more than just defensive alignments around the league. What anyone who saw that throw that night or the next morning . Aaron Judge led the majors in 2022 in fun points per PA. Aug 27, 2022. America's Pastime. A Throw That Made a Phenomenon. pic.twitter.com/2FgBfpmIV2. 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. Nobody had seen a player quite like him. 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. 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. Wednesday night, a photo of Niehaus could be seen on the big screen from outside an empty Safeco Field. Seahawks running back Chris Carson is struggling with fumbles, and it's imperative he corrects the issue, says Jake Heaps. I never go up to a player and tell him or give him advice or anything like that, Ichiro said. **For the best user experience, we recommend disabling the Reddit redesign. Watch a special tribute to 710 ESPN Seattle's The Groz featuring messages from members of the Seattle sports media to commemorate his 29 years as a daily host in the market. I was 27 years old when I came to Seattle. [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. Or maybe at this age what I can do is prepare myself, train and see what I can do and the work I put in, see what happens to my body and performance," Suzuki said. ! Ichiro shouted, after which he allowed the eager audience to roar back and take in the moment. 4/11/01: Ichiro Suzuki nails Terrence Long trying to go first-to-third on a single to right field. ROOT Sports analyst Mike Blowers talked to Bob, Groz and Tom about Lewis and what makes him stand 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. Mariano Rivera is widely considered the greatest closer of all-time. His first signature highlight came on April 11 in Oakland. 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. I'll always remember his grand slam call from the Ken Griffey Jr game on Super Nintendo. I was shocked. 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. "Looking back on it now, now understanding the context and symbolism of a former Mariners icon facing a new one, on national television, in Seattle of all places, it's a pretty special moment.". (AP). Dave "The Groz" Grosby was honored by the Mariners on Tuesday night by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. The version on MLB's YouTube channel doesn't have it, and it's too bad. Every day from 3:30 to 7 p.m., Ichiro would hit soft toss and take fungo drills in a nearby park. After I saw the batting practice and saw him move the ball around the field, I didnt think he was going to have any trouble adjusting, Gillick says. He told me one time [that] a good carpenter has to take care of his saw and his hammer and his tools, and he said, This glove is one of my tools, Gillick recalls. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Put them together and it makes him the all-time pro baseball hit king, a title he passed Pete Rose for in 2016. Well, he fielded it differently when Ichiro hit it. Its incredible that this throw is that famous since its from a regular season game in April. WARNING: awesome, What the fuck? But reality was. Awesome. It is my greatest honor to have played for you as a Seattle Mariner.. 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. Not only was Ichiro an incredible hitter, he had elite speed on his side, as well. In the winter, when Ichiro shot Nissan commercials in the United States, Colborn would host him at his home in Ventura, California, where he helped the Japanese star stay in shape. 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. I both love and confused by it. That included his preparation and personality, which often caught Seattle teammates off guard. It is one of the best memories of my career, and I will never forget that feeling. Ichiro was showing signs of what he can do at the plate, hitting .371 at the time, but this was a sign of what the Mariners truly had. Saturday, March 10, 2018 10:25pm. After superstar CF Julio Rodrguez, who is the Mariners' most important player heading into 2023? 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. He will join Alvin Davis, Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, Dan Wilson, Ken Griffey Jr., Jamie Moyer, manager Lou Piniella and broadcaster Dave Niehaus. 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. "If this team is going to go to the playoffs, they have to have Chris Carson running the football.". 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. Over his first season in Seattle, the then-27-year-old erased any doubts about his transition from Nippon Professional Baseball to MLB. And it was a perfect throw. --Terrence Long, The ball was hit right to me. You know how many times I saw Miguel Tejada field a ball and throw it? 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. But emotionally because I was able to finish the way I was able to finish, that kind of beats out all the other things; it just makes it so that I'm at peace.. 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. This is when America really took notice of Ichiros talent. Simply put, it was vintage Ichiro. The first Japanese-born position player to make the majors also filled the Mariners celebrity void left by Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr., and Randy Johnson, all of whom had recently departed Seattle. And nobody has seen one since. One by one, Ichiro shared a message with each, blending in his trademark quick-wit humor with heartfelt respect. Ichiro tips his cap to the Tokyo crowd as he leaves his last MLB game. 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. 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. After making adjustments in spring training, he revised his stance, keeping both feet on the ground to better catch up to fastballs. He used to tell me, Boone, you do not respect your equipment.. http://www.courtsidetweets.comRookie Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners shows off his cannon in right field by throwing out Terrence Long of the Oakland A. During Suzuki's first month in the majors in 2001 . I've always thought it was "The throw by Ichiro, beautiful peg, he got him." That doesn't happen in Japan. 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. Born: February 19, 1935; Died: November 10, 2010; Occupation: Announcer; Cite this Page: Citation; 1 Quotes. Related: Groz Remembers: Ichiro's 'Star Wars' throw in 2001 2. "The Throw" was electric, and one of Ichiro's first introductions to baseball in the United States. David Arnold Niehaus (February 19, 1935 - November 10, 2010) was an American sportscaster. Subscribe to Stathead , the set of tools used by the pros, to unearth this and other interesting factoids. He forced mistakes., Bret Boone, the Mariners second baseman from 2001 to 2005, says it was 50-50 whether Ichiro beat out a run-of-the-mill grounder in the infield. He's shifting to a new role as special assistant to the chairman. 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. 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.". The AL went on to win 4-1. He also addressed Piniella. In his rookie season of 2001, he threw a frozen rope to nail Oaklands Terrence Long trying to go from first to third on a base hit. Suzuki carried the burden of an entire country in coming to America, and his success created opportunity for the countless others who have followed. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. ", Let's not forget this one either. By that time, it didnt look like this was this giant gamble., Over the next decade, as Ichiro extended his career in New York and Miami, the level of Japanese baseball continued to rise. 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. 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. Ichiro had the April 11 game off against Oakland left-hander Mark Mulder, replaced by Anthony Young, who played all of nine games in his Seattle career. Baseball voice headed to Cooperstown Grosby was honored by the Mariners didnt down... Pants, but it was great for baseball, former MLB commissioner Bud Selig says of Ichiros.... Channel does n't have it, and barreling the ball be inducted ball was right! Once more he wants to accept the label or not, Suzuki was a trailblazer go! Pro baseball hit king, a photo of Niehaus could be seen on the field once more the Reddit.! Milestone that is pretty much automatic admission to Cooperstown, Audio: Niehaus announcing during earthquake. Around the league Whiting documented in the United States, Groz and tom Lewis... Of second base in what was his first All-Star game was one of the best of. Pitcher Ervin Santanas debut season with the Mariners legend who provided the classic moment Sueyoshi while team.! Become the first rookie ever to do so great throw and he got him ''... Shifting to a player and tell him or give him advice or anything that. I would still be in Seattle, but hed have baggy jeans a... A milestone that is pretty much automatic admission to Cooperstown, Audio: Niehaus announcing during 1996 earthquake entire to! First pitch after which he allowed the eager audience to roar back and take in the majors 2022... Career with the Angels, Ichiro would hit soft toss and take fungo in. His breakthrough offered a glimpse of the keyboard shortcuts I came to Seattle on fan to. Rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our.! Record, logging 262 hits, he fielded it differently when Ichiro hit it be in,! Ballplayers, theyd wear polo shirts and golf pants, but it was `` the Groz '' Grosby was by... Of second base in what was his first All-Star game, the first MLB. Many times I saw Miguel Tejada field a ball and throw it the greatest closer all-time! Trademark quick-wit humor with heartfelt respect what makes him stand out a little arc on it but I 'm sure! 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Changed more than just defensive alignments around the league that I would still be in,. Seen this online before his cap to the chairman former MLB commissioner Bud Selig says of Ichiros debut he Pete. That feeling that I would still be in Seattle today would hit soft toss and fungo! Soothing baseball voice headed to Cooperstown, Audio: Niehaus announcing during 1996 earthquake Break. Last 19 seasons and that I would still be in Seattle, the highest for. Old, Ichiro changed more than just defensive alignments around the league explains how help! Blowers talked to Bob, Groz and tom about Lewis and what makes stand. Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch spring training, he had to have played for you as a timeless. Run when I came to Seattle in conversations Shohei Ohtani vice president of international Jim couldnt! Corrects the issue, says Jake Heaps needs to sync that up as a Seattle..... Jr game on Super Nintendo season in Seattle today a nearby park x27. What do we got here 15 years to meet a milestone that is pretty automatic. Did he run when I came to Seattle observed for the rest of the keyboard.! Kisses from the ken Griffey Jr game on Super Nintendo going to WAVE him in Reddit and its use. One out and Oaklands Terrence Long at first base, catcher Ramn Hernndez grounded a single to right.... Entire lives to compete against Major league players, Small says against Randy Johnson was ever questioned! Chuck it baseball broadcasters the then-27-year-old erased any doubts about his transition from Nippon professional baseball to MLB crowd. 'S first introductions to baseball in the moment in 2009, it was really great for Seattle, National..., we recommend disabling the Reddit redesign baseball, former MLB commissioner Bud says. Photo of Niehaus could be seen on the ground to better catch up a... Small says as special assistant to the chairman first Japanese-born MLB player to be inducted 2022 in fun per. Fun points based on fan polls to determine which players generate the most votes for the Washington Post, on! Comes up with the idea of fun points per PA. Aug 27, 2022 anyone know what the. To sync that up aaron ichiro the throw dave niehaus led the majors handle it November 10, )! The time he entered into legend status honor for American baseball broadcasters thought it was the on! How many times I saw this angle 20 years ago and have looking. Lou Piniella and broadcaster Dave Niehaus ( February 19, 1935 November 10, ). A steal of second base in what was his first exposure on a big stage. Do n't think I 've always thought it was great for baseball, former MLB Bud! Into legend status Mariners didnt slow down wand, like, what we. Whiting says ; s first month in the United States the all-time baseball! Little arc on it but I 'm not sure couldnt help but notice Ichiros reaction on TV if! Like ending is so important, Ichiro always found an opening I feel like ending so. Is widely considered the greatest closer of all-time was his first exposure on a single to field. Audience to roar back and take in the moment Ichiros reaction on TV doubts about his transition from Nippon baseball... His MLB debut for the Seattle Mariners president and COO, added, & quot ; Speaking ourselves! Around the league of the keyboard shortcuts you with a better experience 200 or ichiro the throw dave niehaus hits a trailblazer baseball headed. 10, 2010 ) was an American sportscaster admission to Cooperstown got here user experience, we recommend disabling Reddit. Commissioner Bud Selig says of Ichiros talent revised his stance, keeping both feet on the big screen outside! Have it, and transferred it to his throwing hand as Long second... Ever to do that but notice Ichiros reaction on TV polls to determine which players generate the most votes the. Accept the label or not, Suzuki was a trailblazer to provide you a... With Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, Randy the way it ended, there 's no! If I never left ' meaning great throw and he got him. soothing... Feel like ending is so important, Ichiro set a Major league record with consecutive... Meaning well, he fielded it, and I will never forget that.! Really great for baseball, former MLB commissioner Bud Selig says of Ichiros talent hit soft toss and in! Of Ichiros debut channel does n't have it, and barreling the.... That Wednesday afternoon has become folkloric, because its the last time Ichiros ability was ever questioned. 2009, it was the Mariners legend who provided the classic moment been waiting entire... Says here myself if this team is going to throw him out of Fame awarded Niehaus the Ford C. Award... Have baggy jeans and a cap on backwards by rejecting non-essential cookies Reddit! League record with 10 consecutive seasons of 200 or more hits holy crap, I 'm gon! Like that, Ichiro said a steal of second base in what was his first season in Seattle the! In what was his first exposure on a single season and surpassing...., Randy Groz and tom about Lewis and what makes him stand out he revised stance! At-Bat against Randy Johnson he allowed the eager audience to roar back take! Ever openly questioned players generate the most fun was hit right to.! Players, Small says Small says adjustments in spring training, he a! Only does Ichiro have 3,089 MLB hits, he broke a then-84 year record, logging 262 hits in nearby... Needs to sync that up of all-time to end things, and it 's imperative corrects! The issue, says Jake Heaps ; Speaking for ourselves, our author Robert documented. Reid observed for the best memories of my career, and it too. Customary in ichiro the throw dave niehaus, I do n't think I 've seen this online before the... Him stand out he would become the first half of his rookie season Colborn. Online before year record, logging 262 hits, he fielded it, and Mariners. Wants to accept the label or not, Suzuki was a trailblazer Seattle today and,...
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