FWIW, he's the only player that I've ever bought a shirt/jersey with their name and number on it. He embodies the spirit of the game.

And I saw him play with Orrix as a young man - I don't think he was in the minor leagues long enough to get lunch. Amazing bat skills laser arm and a preternatural awareness of the plays as they happened.

Even as a 16 year old he was never surprised on the field. He always knew the smart play to make


One of my ex-coworkers still owes me $50 buck on the bet we made when he announced signing with Seattle. Mike was a crusty old Boston guy. Said that MLB pitchers would knock the bat out of his hand and he MIGHT hit .270

I replied that he hit .370 in Japan and would hit 310 to 320 in the show, be a gold glover and steal 40 bases...

Mike won't pay because Ichiro hit .350.

Still mad