We just posted about Ichiro Suzuki's quotes from Jon Saraceno's USA Today piece on the Seattle outfielder that ran today. For the most part, they were rather odd, as has sort of been Ichiro's calling card since he entered into our consciousness. But while all the attention seems to be placed squarely on his statements about both Tiger Woods and performance-enhancing drugs, I found this quote to be the most fascinating:
"Once I turn 40," he says, "I can become a pitcher. I'm kind of serious about it. But I'll have to learn to throw a knuckleball. Right now, I could be a 'normal' pitcher," who can top out at 95 mph with a fastball.I'm not exactly sure why the copy editors at USA Today left "who can top out at 95 mph with a fastball" outside of the quote. Maybe it's an error, or maybe the man who penned this piece, Jon Saraceno, added in those words knowing Ichiro can in fact throw 95 mph. Or maybe I'm just interpreting that wrong. (That's probably what it is.) In any event, let's just pretend Ichiro can throw 95.
I have difficulty believing that a 40-year-old Ichiro could transition from the outfield to the pitcher's mound. Although, if he can indeed pitch with any effectiveness, this would be a great move for a National League team. He'd very likely be the best hitting pitcher in the NL -- even at 40-years-old.
Still, I need to see this before I believe it. However, if there's anyone who could pull a stunt like this off, it's Ichiro. That's for sure.
Previously At FanHouse:
Ichiro Says Funny Things
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-16-2007 @ 9:33PM
Larry Brown said...
"if there's anyone who could pull a stunt like this off, it's Ichiro. That's for sure."
I completely agree, he sets new standards as far as preparation and staying in shape goes for ballplayers. I really think he could do it, and do it effectively. I could see him playing almost to Julio Franco's age with the way he stays in shape.
Reply
5-16-2007 @ 11:10PM
larry dum said...
95 mph may be how fast ichiro throws when he's 40, but seattle fans have seen him throw faster than that from right field to third for a put out. don't bet against ichiro lasting until he's 45. the man has the right body and all the talent in the world,
Reply
5-17-2007 @ 12:22AM
George B Vieto said...
Ichiro Suzuki is simply amazing. He can pitch at age 40 and hit the basball with effectiveness. Fernando Valenzulea you're successor has arrived.
Reply
5-17-2007 @ 12:22AM
George B Vieto said...
Ichiro Suzuki is simply amazing. He can pitch at age 40 and hit the basball with effectiveness. Fernando Valenzulea your successor has arrived.
Reply
5-17-2007 @ 7:32PM
Ichiroll said...
Ichiro was a pitcher when he was a student. In Japanese professional league, he actually appeared twice as a pitcher: one in a pre-season game against Seibu Lions and the other in all-star game (1996). I saw the latter on TV. He delivered good fast strike ball. I remember he was really excited like a boy before and after the game. I believe his dream is to play as a major-leager pitcher someday.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=n0ltyTjKklw
Reply
5-18-2007 @ 9:57AM
theprwhiz said...
I live in a town where we have a Mariners minor league team. There are several pitchers on the team who can throw 93-98 mph, and a couple of them are older guys. I am not a big baseball fan, but I follow it casually (it's always invading my ESPN Radio, lol). Why is it such a big deal if so many guys can throw that fast? These guys aren't even major leaguers!
P.S. They are decent hitters, too.
Reply
5-18-2007 @ 4:54PM
jerry said...
I don't think you should have wasted the time to blog on this issue given that you openly admit that you genuinely struggled to understand exactly what Saraceno was even saying. Like most people you should find something better to do with your time.
Reply
6-07-2007 @ 2:08AM
Kevin said...
He can throw 95mph
I think what some people dont know is most top prospect ss and 3rd base throw over 90mph
Would it surprise you that Mark Mcgwire could throw 90mph when entered the big leagues? He was a pitcher as were most MLB players at some point
why? because you have to have a great arm to make it. Not only are you the best hitter on your HS team..but usually you are one of the best Pitchers in your entire state in your age group.
Its when they get to the bigs that some guys arm deteriate from playing so many games and injuries.
Some arm speeds
Arod--90mph when he entered bigs...like 87 now on a good day
shortstops
Jeters throws about 84mph
Furcal--93mph
All in all..most decent prosepects(pre major leagues) actually have better arms that many of the Pro's because they are young and dont have the wear and tear. My son is not even a prospect and he can out throw faster than 85% of major league outfielders---thats why Ichiro is real special.
Reply