Ichiro announced his retirement

[oregonjen]

A true gentleman in baseball.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26321505/in-japan-ichiro-retires-where-career-began

[romainetarra]

1. Never heard of him

Never heard of him but sounds like he was an all star player.

[The Polack MSgt]

2. I was stationed in Japan

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

[uppityperson]

3. Aw, have a good retirement, Ichiro

[NightWatcher]

4. The only redeeming thing about being a Marlins fan is I've seen him play up close

He's the embodiment of everything right with baseball. His ethic is insane and rigid. He's a pro and will get into the HOF on his first vote at 100%.

I was watching early this morning and did get weepy watching. Especially the scene when he was greeting players at the dugout and former Marlin, Dee Gordon humbly bowed to the Master who immediately waved the bow off and hugged him. Who is cutting onions in here?

[gblady]

5. Ichiro was my favorite....

Mariner ever. He was so fun to watch play the game like the Master of the sport he was. I was so sad when he left Seattle, and got a bit misty watching his final bow.
A truly gifted treasure!