Most of fans of OTB know that I am a fan of Seattle Mariner outfielder Ichiro Suzuki and I recently came across an article stating that Ichiro was invited to the 2009 MLB All Star Game Home Run Derby.
The Seattle Post Globe stated in article that Ichiro was asked to participate for the American League but declined stating health issues. However, Ichiro did present us with a quality quote:
“They asked, but I said, ‘No,’ ” Ichiro said Monday afternoon.
And why not?
“I have a home run derby every day with Junior (Ken Griffey Jr.),” Ichiro said with a wide grin.
This might be possibly the first time in Major League History that a player who never hit more than 15 home runs in a season to be invited to a home run hitting contest. Currently, Ichiro has a total of six home runs on the season.
However, a couple former Seattle players (Bret Boone and Mike Cameron) both stated that if Ichiro did enter a home run hitting competition he could win. It would not surprise me if he won a home run derby since he is such a prolific hitter. I think the image of Ichiro beating Ryan Howard and Josh Hamilton might be too good to pass up next year.
Ichiro for 2010 MLB Home Run Derby!
(Courtesy of Seattle Post-Globe)
Ichiro could have been in the 2009 All Star Home Run Derby
