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Baseball

In reply to the discussion: Ichiro announced his retirement [View all]

The Polack MSgt

(13,462 posts)
2. I was stationed in Japan
Thu Mar 21, 2019, 11:06 AM
Mar 2019

When he broke into the NPL at 18 years old, only to be repeatedly jerked up and down from the bigs to the minors and back again... Until Orix' ownership wised up and fired the manager who was trying to change his swing.

He then went on to be a lethal lead off hitter and an outfielder with a laser arm.

I had been back in the states for 2 years when he announced he was coming to MLB. I told all my buddies he was an all star and NOBODY believed me.

"he's too small, big league pitchers will over power him" "Clemens could knock the bat outta his hands" "Japan ball is barely triple A, he'll have a hard time breaking in to a Big League roster"

I predicted that he would hit .320 steal 20 bases and be a top 5 gold glove vote getter... Of course I was wrong.

He hit .350, stole 56 bags won a gold glove and was the MVP and Rookie of the year.

Loved that guy

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Ichiro announced his retirement [View all] oregonjen Mar 2019 OP
Never heard of him romainetarra Mar 2019 #1
I was stationed in Japan The Polack MSgt Mar 2019 #2
Aw, have a good retirement, Ichiro uppityperson Mar 2019 #3
The only redeeming thing about being a Marlins fan is I've seen him play up close NightWatcher Mar 2019 #4
Ichiro was my favorite.... gblady Mar 2019 #5
Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Baseball»Ichiro announced his reti...»Reply #2