The end comes for everyone, even legends like Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki.
When it comes to sports, only Father Time remains undefeated. He has taken down the greatest players of all time, leaving us with such memories as Willie Mays hobbling around the outfield for the New York Mets, Greg Maddux pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, or Babe Ruth with the Boston Braves. Every so often, a player retires from the game before they are slowed by the ravages of time, but the end could still be seen rapidly approaching.
And now, Father Time has come for Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki. His career was seemingly over after last season, when the Japanese legend struggled through his 47 plate appearances. Ichiro had nine hits, none of which went for extra bases, and three walks. He still showed some speed, scoring five runs, but the fleet footed outfielder was a shadow of himself.
Nonetheless, he continued to train as he always did, looking to return in 2019. The Mariners are starting off the season against the Oakland A’s in Japan, giving Ichiro the perfect chance to say farewell to the game in front of his home country. Yet, he is going to try to continue playing beyond that two game series, determined to prove that he still has something in the tank.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
The problem is, he does not, at least if the past two years are any indication. On the heels of his struggles last season, Ichiro has not exactly set Spring Training afire. He has only two hits in 28 plate appearances, striking out nine times while drawing three walks. He has stolen a base and scored two runs, but at 45 years old, the tank has run dry.
This leaves the Mariners in an awkward position. They were able to soften the blow for Ichiro last year by allowing him to travel with the team as part of a front office role, Which may be something they need to attempt this year. His goal of playing until he is 50 seems out of reach.
Of course, Ichiro could surprise us all. He could get five hits in that series, showing that his slow start in Spring Training really did not mean anything. However, if he struggles, and that farewell series does not turn out as anyone would hope for, then the Mariners and Ichiro may need to have a conversation neither wants to be a part of.
Time has caught up to Ichiro Suzuki. Once the series in Japan is over, it will be time for the Seattle Mariners legend to walk away.