Even if he is no longer playing this season, Seattle Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki may not be done participating during All Star Weekend.
It is seemingly a rite of passage for the true superstars of baseball. As they navigate through their final season, they find themselves named to the All Star Game, a midsesaon sendoff to celebrate their careers and legacy. In some cases, such as when Cal Ripken hit that home run off of Chan Ho Park and was the All Star Game MVP, it is a chance to have one more moment of glory.
Even though Seattle Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki will not be playing in the All Star Game this year, he may still get that chance at glory. The Mariners are looking to get their franchise icon, and current Special Assistant to the Chairman into the Home Run Derby, giving Ichiro one more moment on the diamond this season.
🚨 RT if you want ICHIRO in the Home Run Derby 🚨@Mariners manager Scott Servais makes the case:#TrueToTheBlue #Mariners #IchiForDC pic.twitter.com/oBoz6XFdiD
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) June 20, 2018
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On the surface, Ichiro would seem like an odd choice for such an event. After all, he only reached double digit homers three times in his career, with his 15 homers in 2005 his high water mark. Over the course of his 18 year career, he only hit 117 homers. Even if his Japanese statistics are taken into consideration, Ichiro only surpassed the 20 home run threshold twice. These are not the numbers of a notable slugger, or a player expected to be in the Home Run Derby.
However, Ichiro was known for putting on a show during batting practice, belting homer after homer. And, he was planning on participating in the 2008 Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium, until an injured finger put that idea to rest. Now, a decade later, he could well make that long awaited debut in the derby.
Of course, Ichiro is not the player he once was. He has not played since May 2, when he was 0-3 with a walk against the A’s. ichiro also struggled to a .205/.255/.205 batting line in 47 plate appearances this season. But, given his drive and competitive nature, he may still be able to surprise if given the chance.
The Seattle Mariners are looking to put Ichiro Suzuki in the Home Run Derby. It would be quite the curtain call on his illustrious career.