Ichiro’s 0-for-spring training no big deal
TUCSON, Ariz. – A swarm of fans six deep crowded around the screen that separated Ichiro Suzuki from the grandstand.
“That was amazing!” a teenage boy gasped when Seattle’s perennial All-Star finished an impromptu autograph session.
Ichiro spent 10 minutes exchanging balls and photos through a small opening atop a gate one hour before Tuesday’s game against Colorado. Eight rows above that scene, in Section N, a senior woman in a Rockies hat turned to a man two seats to her right.
“He hasn’t lost his popularity, has he?” she said.
No, after the most successful start to a hitting career the major leagues has seen, “Ichiro-san” remains a revered, international superstar. Not even a 0-for-21 start to spring training can change that. He went 0 for 4 in a loss to the Rockies on Tuesday.
Ichiro has the most at-bats without a hit for any player in baseball this spring. It is three short of his longest regular-season hitless streak, in 2005.
So what? It’s March.
“I don’t understand what I need to be worried about,” Ichiro said Tuesday through his translator Ken Barron, after a groundout to the pitcher, two lazy flyouts and a sharp grounder on which sprawling third baseman Ian Stewart robbed him.
The pack of two dozen Japanese reporters who follow his every move are holding their breath for his first hit – so much so that Ichiro said he is feeling sympathy from others.
“I am very thankful that people when I am not hitting care so much about this,” he said. “I am grateful.”
He’s not necessarily eager to get his first hit of 2008.
“To tell you the truth, some of this is kind of fun,” he said. “To be in a situation this early, in spring training, and have this kind of a little bit intense environment is something I couldn’t experience before. Basically, it’s a situation where I need to battle within myself mentally. That’s something I haven’t experienced this time of the year. … This is great for me.”
Rare failure as a positive. That’s the result of seven consecutive All-Star games, seven consecutive Gold Gloves in the outfield and of being the only player with seven straight 200-hit seasons to begin a career.
His manager, the affable John McLaren, is trying to make light of this growing curiosity, reminding all that nothing matters until opening day, March 31.
That’s when Ichiro will begin his attempt to break the A.L. record he shares with Wade Boggs for consecutive seasons of 200 hits. An eighth time would tie Willie Keeler for most in major league history.
“I know I am obligated to answer the questions, but how many batting titles has he won?” McLaren said, knowing the answer is two in the major leagues and seven in Japan. “I think it’s funny.
“Put him down for a batting title. Put my name next to it, please.”