Ichiro honors Sisler

ST. LOUIS – Ichiro used the occasion of the All-Star Game in St. Louis to make a pilgrimage, of sorts.

He spent part of Monday visiting the St. Louis grave of Hall of Famer George Sisler, whose single-season hits record he broke in 2004. Ichiro had long wanted to pay his respects to Sisler, and brought flowers to leave at the gravesite.

Ichiro had briefly greeted the members of the Sisler family that were in Safeco Field the night he got his 257th and 258th hit to tie and break Sisler’s 1920 record for the St. Louis Browns. Sisler died on March 26, 1973 in Richmond Heights, Mo.

“There’s not many chances to come to St. Louis,” Ichiro said in the American League clubhouse, speaking through interpreter Ken Barron. “In 2004, it was the first time I crossed paths with him, and his family generously came all the way to Seattle. Above all, it was a chance … I wanted to do that for a grand upperclassman of the baseball world. I think it’s only natural for someone to want to do that, to express my feelings in that way. I’m not sure if he’s happy about it.”

Ichiro said his wife, Yumiko, went with him, as well as some friends.

Branyan passed over

With Evan Longoria getting scratched from the American League team at the last minute because of an infected finger, A.L. manager Joe Maddon had a chance to name the Mariners’ Russell Branyan to the team. Branyan is among the league leaders in home runs and OPS.

But Wakamatsu, one of Maddon’s coaches, understands the decision to go with the versatile Chone Figgins from the Angels.

“I think the trouble is, you need a utility spot for somebody,” Wakamatsu said. “Obviously, Figgins is deserving of it. You have that many first basemen in a National League park, it’s awfully difficult to carry another one.”