What Makes

[@alaregret1270]

With the most recent World Series loss by the Yankees, I’d argue that contact prioritization and fundamental situational baseball execution really shows how incredible of a player Ichiro was. The concept of being the best at taking 90 ft when the team needs it most is still to me one of the greatest truths in baseball. His walk off home run against Mariano Rivera on a first pitch hard read on a cutter but doing what so many others had failed to do, might be my favorite single swing moment. Freddie’s recent game one walk off being close though. Loving the interviews and conversations!

[@井上優-h8o]

What many baseball fans still don't understand is that T-Mobile Park is not build for power. Every free agent slugger that the Mariners have signed, had a steep drop in their power numbers because you can't succeed by swinging for the fences in Seattle. You have to defend the spacious field with 3 speedy outfielders who have range and decent arms. In other words, the stadium was built for a player like Ichiro, and he made the best of it. In an era when many hitters were using PEDs, Ichiro played purely on skills, spraying hits all over the field and leading his team to a record tying 116 win season. You have to assemble a defensive team in Seattle with a good pitching staff. The sad part is that the Mariners GMs had no clue of their home field advantage and after Ichiro's year one, the M's playoff drought began. Ichiro was considered not having enough power in his bat and there were times he played in centerfield to have players with pop in their bats to play the corner outfield positions. That's such a dumb move as it only negates Ichiro's arm strength (You get fewer outfield assists playing centerfield). By the time Ichiro was traded to the Yankees, he was 37. For all of you who say Ichiro never had power, try hitting at T-Mobile Park. Good Luck.

[@WoutervanWilligen]

Could you please post a link to the to the article by Alden González about Ichiro?

[@SeattleSports710]

www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43414814/mlb-baseball-hall-fame-2025-ichiro-suzuki-stories-mariners-yankees-marlins