The baseball player who need only be mentioned by one name, Ichiro, hung up his cleats on Thursday in Tokyo.
Done in his signature quiet manner, the team came first. In the Japan Series between the Mariners and Athletics, many had speculated that he would announce his retirement. But, without warning, the world learned of his retirement mid-game, after he was subbed out of the game.
There is crying in baseball. #MLB開幕戦 pic.twitter.com/12JtZZsyD6
— MLB (@MLB) March 21, 2019
With a wave to the crowd in his home country, a dugout full of teammates and coaches, and a hug from Ken Griffey Jr., the baseball career of Ichiro came to an end.
Ichiro played professional baseball for almost 30 years, 19 of them in the MLB, where he joined the 3,000 hit club.
Legend. pic.twitter.com/CgnaEpmLYP
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 21, 2019
He by no means had it easy. He was always critiqued for his size, his technique, you name it. Yet, with the mentality of a workhorse, he found a way to become of the greatest players ever.
With a career 3,089 hits, an astounding .311 batting average and an immeasurable about of memories, Ichiro’s retirement marks the end of an era.
Hats off you, Ichiro.