On October 1, 2004 Ichiro Suzuki from the Seattle Mariners made baseball history in the U.S. by breaking an 84 year major league record and hitting 258 hits in one season. Following the game, Ichiro had a press interview in which he was asked many questions by scores of reporters from both Japan and the U.S. There was one reply that Ichiro gave that really caught my attention. I don’t know who the reporter was but here is the question: Reporter> “What message can you give schoolboy baseball players?” Ichiro>” from my experience here (in the U.S.), I don't think having a large body is much of an advantage. I was able to achieve the record despite being one of the smallest players in the Major League. For children in both Japan and America, it is important to try and utilize what you have. If you think that way, the probability of success increases.” You know, this is a very important statement, and I think it was thoughtful of Ichiro to come up with for all the kids that were watching. Having grown up in America and having played sports all the way through High School, I can remember all the peer pressure from friends and society in general to be strong and big. In the U.S. However there is overwhelming pressure on kids to be big, strong or “Thick” is the last term I remember being popular. Many kids in school are taking hormones or at least weight gaining nutritional supplements. I think this is incredibly ridiculous. I think that a lot of professional athletes become what I consider to be “fat” in the process of trying to become big. I guess this is what the American people want and respect though. In addition to a fair dose of violence. When you watch Ichiro bat and run, the guy is giving 110% all of the time. When he gets a hit he runs his ass off even with infield hits that he probably knows will throw him out. It’s that chance though, that chance that the other team will overthrow or make an error. There have been many occasions where I have seen American players thrown out at first when they should have easily made it. I also have seen batters watch to see what direction a ball is going and how far before deciding to run. This is what I consider to be laziness. I see a lot of the players and they look light fat asses that should be on the treadmill instead of on the field. Look at football. I like a good game of football but, man some of these lineman walking around with huge spare tires and fat hanging down out of their shirts ….it’s just disgusting man. This isn’t what an athlete is supposed to look like. Anyways I am definitely not a Sports write but, I find it very hard to have a lot of respect for very many sports stars now days for many reasons, but laziness is a part of it. I repect Ichiro though and appreciate what he has done for baseball, I think he is a very good role model for American and Japanese kids.

Comments

[Japan Window - Andy]

I don't read many blogs (no time after writing mine), but I stumbled on yours recently and decided to visit more often. I like where you're going. I read your piece about working with the HVAC crew, and it made me want to get out there and do something...so I'll have to let you know what I come up with.

[Peter]

Andy thanks for the nice comments. Actually you might be surprised to here that your site was part of my inspiration to start writing. I like your layout and your topics and postive outlook. Anybody reading this definetly check out Andy's blog at "www.japanwindow.com". Thanks again Andy!