Ichiro’s 5 Greatest Mariners Moments

In case you didn’t hear, it is Ichiro week here at Sodo Mojo. Today, we will attempt to boil down the 5 best moments of Ichiro’s 10+ years with the Mariners. What will be #1? Let’s find out.

Of course, trying to boil down the career of a first ballot hall of fame player is difficult. In fact, I would say it is impossible. So where do we start? How do you choose between MVP seasons, batting titles, Gold Gloves and more with one player? I don’t have a clue. So maybe, let’s just get started?

5. Ichiro’s Inside-The-Park Homerun

2007 was another excellent year for Ichiro and the Seattle Mariners. The team surprised many, winning 88 games and finishing in second in the AL West. Of course, Ichiro was the biggest reason why.

In 2007, Ichiro led baseball in hits for the 4th time, slashing .351/.396/.431 in 161 games. He also stole 37 bases, won a Gold Glove in center field, and his second Silver Slugger. Not surprisingly, Ichiro was voted to appear in his 7th consecutive All-Star game as well. In San Francisco, Ichiro put on a show:

Of course, the irony was boundless. He hit the ball over the head of Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr., and the pitch was delivered by future Mariner Chris Young. Ichiro’s wild dash around the bases netted him the All-Star Game MVP and helped cement him a new mega-contract with the Mariners.

Ichiro was a frequent visitor to the mid-summer classic. He would be selected 10 consecutive years, from 2001-2010. But there is no better moment for his All-Star game experiences than this journey around the bases.