I was very fortunate to have had season tickets to the Mariners for 7 years, all when Ichiro was patrolling RF. He is beyond a class act in my book. My 4 kids literally grew up watching him. Our seats were on the dirt, directly at him. Twice he sat in my lap catching a ball, and both times he took the time to thank me for getting out of his way.
Also, one of my daughters (who now plays for Team USA Fastpitch) was 100% in love with him, lol. Before every game she used to yell to him good luck, and he would wave back to her. One game we went without her, he actually got my other daughters attention as he strolled out, and said "Good luck?" with a heavy accent. She yelled GOOD LUCK! and he motioned the international "phew" as if he was counting on it. He then swung by and hi-fived my daughter after the inning...it was awesome. Two nights later the same daughter went for a "fair" grounder (balls like this happened all the time in our seats). I yanked her back at the last second and Ichiro came swooshing in and held him to a Single. As he backpeddled to his spot, he held out his finger and did the "no-no" sign to her...it was so fricken funny. She yelled sorry, and he smiled back.
I think it was Stache who mentioned his BP. Yes, we would get there early just to watch it...AMAZING. Kind of frustrating to watch him do it with such ease and wish he would hit a few more in the games...
But that wasn't his game...and being a Fastpitch guy I do love his game.
Growing up in Seattle kids would emulate Griffey in Little League...then moved on to Ichiro. To me that is the greatest compliment a player can have. When I was a kid I copied Rod Carew (as a lefty), did the elbow snap of Joe Morgan, rotated my bat like Willie Stargell, and tried to swing like Harmon Killebrew. Now my 8 yo son reaches out with his bat and times bringing it back with the pitcher...I love it.
One thing as a Mariners fan that hasn't been brought up here is how he left Seattle. Griffey left whining (I still love him, lol), A-Rod left for cash, and Ichiro left with CLASS. When it was clear the team was getting younger and he didn't quite fit, HE went to ownership after years of refusing to be traded due to loyalty, and asked for the betterment of the team to be traded, knowing he could have good trade return, and others needed to be developed for our future. It was the biggest story in our area...and forever endured him to our hearts if he wasn't already. I have to believe he will be a MARINER when he goes to the Hall...I have no doubts. Hell, I even will root for the Yankees now...and I HATE the Yankees...haha.
GO ICHIRO!!