When Ichiro Suzuki was asked to throw the first pitch at the Mariners’ Opening Day, he didn’t just show up – he showed off.
Most ceremonial first pitches are casual affairs where celebrities or former players try not to bounce the ball to the plate. Not Ichiro.
The soon-to-be Hall of Famer arrived in full uniform at age 51, making it clear this wasn’t going to be your typical ceremonial toss.
He marched straight to the pitcher’s mound, waving off any suggestion he might throw from in front of it.
Then he made his former teammate and current Mariners manager Dan Wilson back up behind the plate. Wilson knew what was coming.
Ichiro wound up and fired a fastball that clocked 84 mph on the radar gun.
That’s not just good for a retired player – that’s faster than some active MLB pitchers throw.
Wilson had to jump a bit to catch the rising heater, looking a little nervous as he anticipated the heat coming his way.
It’s no surprise Ichiro still has that arm strength. During his playing days, he was famous for gunning down runners from right field with throws that seemed to defy physics.
The guy clearly keeps himself in amazing shape. He looks like he could still suit up and play nine innings today.
Seattle has planned several celebrations for Ichiro this season, including retiring his jersey in August.
But after that pitching display, maybe they should consider giving him a few innings out of the bullpen. The way he’s throwing, he might actually help the team.
