Mr. Ichiro “Thanks to fans all over the US” 14:09 on September 15
On the 14th, Ichiro, who retired in March after winning a number of records in the major leagues, was awarded an award from the Mariners for his achievements. I gave a speech in English and expressed my gratitude. Greetings from Ichiro's ceremony.
“Thank you today. I ’m very nervous. Yusei, you ca n’t cry tonight. Nothing to cry.” Teammate Yusei Kikuchi who cried when he retired. Talked to a joke and invited fans to laugh.
“Now, it ’s a happy moment. When I retired in Tokyo, I felt that some of the great Seattle fans were not there. I thank you for your support over the years. "Said.
"I didn't have any fielders from Japan when I came to Seattle in 2001. I was a small, unnamed, thin player who joined my group. There was no reason for this, but he raised my hand and welcomed me, and when I left this team and returned, it supported me without changing my attitude towards me. I was very happy to have been given the opportunity to return to the team in 2018. Thanks to the fans, thank Seattle, ”he said.
“Thanks to New York and Miami for cheering me, the various places I visited as a visitor, and fans all over the United States. Baseball is a true entertainment in the United States. I am very happy that I was able to play in front of everyone who loved and respected the game. " Mr. Ichiro also talked about his fellow players and rivals who have played together so far, “I'm honored to be able to play against the great opponents I have met and to play with them. I'm really happy to have spent time with these young and talented players, and I'm with them regardless of language, culture or age. I enjoyed it because their passion for the games I love is real. "
Looking back on his own baseball life, he recalled, “To be proud of looking back on my career so far, I was able to overcome daily challenges from the beginning of 2001 to the end of 2019 and continue to have passion every day.” Above, “Now, as players approach the end of a long season, each player must remember what it means to be a professional. It ’s just as important: every day you ’ll have the same passion to work on your job, which is to improve your performance and to the fans who come to the game. It ’s a great gift. ”
And finally, “Thanks to Mariners for giving me the opportunity to do this city I love the games I love. Thanks to the support of my family. Let ’s play baseball!” I once again expressed my gratitude to the fans and other people involved.