Ichiro – a big hit

According to the Seattle Times, Ichiro watching makes for riveting television in Japan. So riveting that when every one of Ichiro Suzuki’s 2,030 major league hits—over his nine-year career with the Mariners—were broadcast in his native country from midnight to 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day, the show was declared a ratings success.

“I was already asleep,” Ichiro told the newspaper, laughing. “That’s the kind of attention I strive for. As a player, you have to be of the mindset that your purpose is trying to give people a compelling reason to maintain their interest in your performance every season.

“We’re behooved as professional baseball players to do that. The fact that I was able to fulfill that quest to the extent that one network thought it made for compelling programming makes me very happy.”

Riveting television?  On New Years Eve?  One player hitting a baseball time and time again?  And a singles hitter at that?  After or even during a night of partying?  That’s compelling programming? This sounds like it should be categorized in the Lost in Translation department.

On second thought…

How cool would that be?  Let’s face it, would you rather watch a marathon of one of the greatest and consistent hitters on the planet?  Or Dick Clark or Carson Daly?  What a way to keep the kids riveted to the television.  “Yes, Hiroto, you may stay up past midnight, but only to watch Ichiro.”

This is also a testimony to the popularity of the sport in Japan.  Japan has won the World Baseball Classic both times it’s been held.  And the Yankees call themselves World Champions.  Hmmmm…

It’s also a testimony to the popularity of Ichiro.  He doesn’t even use his last name. And he doesn’t have to. He’s like Madonna or Cher.  Name one other baseball player who goes by his first name and first name only?  Even on the back of his jersey?

Ichiro is a rock star in Japan.  His every move is documented.  And for good reason.  He’s the most successful Japanese player to come to the US.  In his 9 years in the states, he’s amassed over 2000 hits, he’s led the league in batting twice, in hits an amazing 6 times, including a record 262 in one season, has 9 gold gloves, has been an All-Star 9 times, and was awarded the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season.

He should be a rock star in the US.

At the end of his American career, he should be the first Japanese born and raised baseball player in the Hall of Fame.  And he should go in on the first ballot.

I wonder where I can get a copy of the television program.