Ichiro Working Out as a Pitcher
You might remember a post I did last year that had a link to Ichiro pitching in the 1996 NPB All-Star Game. Ichiro came out and immediately hit 90 on the TV gun on his first warm-up pitch, and then induced a soft grounder from pinch-hitter Shingo Takatsu.
Nearly 13 years later, Japan WBC manager Tatsunori Hara has, perhaps unintentionally, prompted Ichiro to return to the mound by suggesting that using him in emergency situations is a possibility in this year’s tournament. In his workout on the 7th, he skipped batting practice and worked out as a pitcher. He threw 56 pitches off the mound at Skymark Stadium, throwing fastballs and forkballs. Word is that he hit 147kmph (92mph) with his fastest pitch. Ichiro said he wants to throw a little bit harder.
Sanspo has a series of photos of his work out: 1, 2, 3, 4.
Hara isn’t used to managing games that go beyond 12 innings, which might explain the idea of using Ichiro as a pitcher. Still, Ichiro would probably be the most credible pitching candidate among the fielders in this year’s WBC. However far-fetched it might be, we might see Ichiro pitch in a competitive game this year.
[...] Ichiro is working out on the mound for Japan’s WBC team. His hardest pitch was clocked at 147 kmph (92 mph). [...]
If I were the Mariners, I’m not sure I’d be happy with this development…
[...] of things like this. (Hat tip to Patrick at NPB Tracker via [...]
[...] a Japanese Baseball site called NFB Tracker. You might remember a post I did last year that had a link to Ichiro pitching in the 1996 NPB [...]
[...] interesting note, Ichiro once pitched while in Japan and hit 90 on the gun in 1996 during an all-star game. Team Japan is having him [...]
Ichiro pitching? This is a great idea! A
fter all, what’s the worst that can happen to Ichiro–hurting himself in a freak injury and being lost for the season?
Pfffft.
[...] [NPB Tracker] [...]
[...] highlight of the week comes from Ichiro Suzuki. NPB reports that, while working out with the Japan WBC team, his manager suggested that he be prepared [...]
Who cares its not like they are going to use him its just something for the media to talk about. He’s a natural athlete so give it up
[...] some interesting news about it has broken. Seattle Mariner’s outfielder Ichiro Suzuki might be used as a pitcher for Team Japan. He’s taken a bullpen session and hit 92 on the radar [...]