Ichiro Suzuki took up residence in Seattle just a few months before I did. That’s probably one of the things that specifically locked him in my mind, because the same year I was struggling to figure out post-college life and get my fledgling career off the ground was also the same year that the Mariners tied the major league record for most wins in a season, Ichiro won Rookie of the Year, and all of the Pacific Northwest was suddenly incredibly excited for every Mariners baseball game.
Three years later, my wife and I were in the stands when Ichiro broke the single season hit record. I still have that completed scorecard tucked in a box somewhere. “I saw Ichiro in his heyday.” is one of those things that will be worth telling any grandkids who discover an interest in baseball someday.
I wish Ichiro could have gotten at least one World Series ring. He sure deserved it, especially after going through some really terrible years with the Mariners. I’m glad that he choose to retire as a Mariner, and I think it speaks well of the organization that he was able to take his final bow in Japan and retire on his terms. Now the clock starts ticking on his Hall of Fame eligibility. He should be a first ballot inductee for sure.