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Seattle Mariners: Yusei Kikuchi influenced by legend of Ichiro Suzuki

By David Hill

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 8: Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners jogs off the field after the ceremonial first pitch before a game against the New York Yankees at Safeco Field on September 8, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees won 4-2. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 8: Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners jogs off the field after the ceremonial first pitch before a game against the New York Yankees at Safeco Field on September 8, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees won 4-2. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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Ichiro Suzuki is still influencing players in Japan, as his presence is a part of why Yusei Kikuchi chose to join the Seattle Mariners.

There is no questioning the impact that Ichiro Suzuki has made, both in Japan and with the Seattle Mariners. His presence has helped make Seattle a destination for Japanese players coming to the majors, as the Mariners are seemingly always a finalist for the top talent from Nippon Professional Baseball.

Even now, with his playing days all but over, Ichiro is still inspiring players to come to Seattle. Just the fact that he would be able to, eventually, meet Ichiro was enough to entice Yusei Kikuchi to join the Mariners.

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It is understandable why Kikuchi would feel that way. Ichiro had been a star in NPB since he was a 20 year old back in 1994, when the Mariners latest Japanese import was three years old. Throughout Kikuchi’s lifetime, Ichiro has been a legend, an inspiration on the diamond for youngsters across Japan. It is easy to understand why he would be such a mythical being to the Mariners newest addition.

Ironically, that is a role that Kikuchi himself held in high school. He was one of the best pitchers in the country, someone that a young Shohei Ohtani looked up to. When Kikuchi eventually joined the Seibu Lions, Ohtani had taken his mantle as the ace of Hanamaki Higashi High School.

Perhaps, at some point, Kikuchi will have that impact in the majors. With more players coming stateside from Japan, it is a matter of time before they have idols that are playing now. Players like Kikuchi and Ohtani, two of the greatest from their time, could end up having that same impact upon Japan in a decade or so. Players may want to join whatever team that are on at the time, so that they can also play with the legends they idolized.

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Ichiro Suzuki was a drawing card for Yusei Kikuchi to join the Seattle Mariners. Perhaps some day, he can have that same impact on the majors.

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