Ichiro itching to pitch in World Baseball Classic

Ichiro Suzuki has always maintained that he could pitch successfully at the big-league level. It now appears if a game runs long enough in the World Baseball Classic, the Seattle Mariners star right fielder might actually get that chance.

According to a Japanese sports Web site, nikkansports.com, Ichiro skipped batting practice at the team’s Saturday workout at the Skymark Stadium in Kobe, Japan, and instead threw a 56-pitch bullpen session off the mound.

There are accompanying pictures of Ichiro throwing from the mound on the site sanspo.com.

The Nikkan story’s first sentence is translated as “This is serious!” implying that Ichiro’s presence on the mound wasn’t just some loose, goofing-off time during the workout.

Japanese manager Tatsunori Hara said he might use Ichiro to pitch in emergency situations such as games that go deep into extra innings.

Of the 56 pitches, Ichiro reportedly threw 21 curves and also a forkball that he learned in his younger days. His fastball was reported to have touched 92 mph, and in the past Ichiro said he has reached 95 mph.

Those familiar with his career history will recall that Ichiro was primarily known for his pitching early on in his career, and Japanese professional teams weren’t convinced his unique swing was conducive to consistent hitting.

Even after he made his mark as a hitter in baseball, Ichiro still liked the idea of pitching. During the 1996 Pacific League All-Star Game, Ichiro took the mound to face Hideki Matsui, but didn’t actually face the future Yankees slugger due to a pinch-hitter being inserted. He did retire that hitter on a ground ball to end the game.

A few years ago, Ichiro joked with USA Today that he would turn to pitching once he reached age 40.

Most recently, Ichiro volunteered to pitch for the Mariners in a July 6 extra-inning loss to the Detroit Tigers in which then-manager Jim Riggleman used backup catcher Jamie Burke on the mound because he ran out of relievers.

Even a few days later, Ichiro wanted the chance to pitch.

“Every time I see a catcher’s glove I want to pitch,” Ichiro said.

Will he get that chance with the Japanese team? Perhaps.

The Mariners have no control over whether he does or doesn’t. They can make a request to the Japanese baseball federation that he not pitch, but what he does or doesn’t do during the World Baseball Classic is out of the Mariners’ control.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Silvertips forward Shea Busch participates in the Florida Panthers development camp at Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on July 1, 2025. Florida selected Busch in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on June 28. (Photo courtesy Shea Busch)
Shea Busch experiences whirlwind NHL Draft week

The Florida Panthers selected the Silvertips forward in the fourth round on June 28.

Late Mystics surge dooms Storm as stars struggle

Seattle dropped to 13-9 after shooting 36.2% from the field.

Jorge Polanco (7), right, of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his ninth inning home run with J.P. Crawford (3) while playing the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Detroit. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Mariners sweep Tigers on way to All-Star break

The Detroit Tigers still have the best record in baseball,… Continue reading

Mariners select LSU pitcher with No. 3 pick in MLB draft

College baseball’s best pitcher is coming to the Emerald City. The Seattle… Continue reading

Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning championship point against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the Gentlemen's Singles Final on day 14 of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London. (Julian Finney / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Sinner conquers Alcaraz for his first Wimbledon title

The vision of Jannik Sinner covered in sweat and… Continue reading

Rome Odunze scans the field in a scrimmage at his youth football camp at Archbishop Murphy High School on July 10, 2025. The former University of Washington star is entering his second NFL season with the Chicago Bears. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Odunze ‘gives back’ in Everett youth football camp

The former University of Washington star hosts a single-day camp at Archbishop Murphy on Thursday.

The New York Yankees' Aaron Judge, top right, celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off sacrifice fly ball during the 10th inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in New York. (Justin Casterline / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Yankees walk off Mariners on Judge’s sac fly for series sweep

Seattle blows 5-0 lead after Bryan Woo takes no-hitter into eighth inning.

Raleigh says Munoz tipped pitches during Yankees’ comeback

The Yankees had a bead on Seattle Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz. That’s… Continue reading

Midfielder Christian Soto dribbles up field during Snohomish United's 5-1 win against the Tacoma Stars at Stockers Fields on July 9, 2025 (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Snohomish United keeps playoff hopes alive in home finale

With 5-1 win against Tacoma, the USL2 club’s focus on local talent keys success in inaugural season.

Silvertips forward Carter Bear fields questions after the Detroit Red Wings selected him 13th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles on June 27, 2025. (Photo courtesy Natalie Shaver / CHL)
Two weeks after Draft, Silvertips’ Bear still can’t believe it

The Red Wings’ first-rounder reflects on draft night and his experience at Detroit’s development camp.

AquaSox down Devils for consecutive wins

The AquaSox were on a 2-10 stretch coming into the series.

Cam Schlittler’s strong debut freezes Mariners

The Mariners fell to the Yankees, 9-6, on Wednesday night.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.