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                                        MLB ROAD TRIP 2001
                                        2001.4.4  <VOL.4>            Preparation Issue

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* We are still in Tokyo

Index
1. Ichiro's debut
2. Shinjo's debut　　　

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Ichiro's debut　

The MLB season began on April 1st. After 5 months of waiting, it's time
to play ball. Yesterday, Seattle opened its season against the Oakland
Athletics. It marked the first time a Japanese position player started a
major league game. Ichiro Suzuki, commonly known as Ichiro, led off
and played right field for the Mariners.

Against Oakland starter Tim Hudson, Ichiro managed only a couple of
ground outs and a strike out. But in the bottom of the 7th, with Seattle
down 4-2, Ichiro led off with a single off reliever TJ Matthews. Two
batters later, Ichiro came around to score on Edgar Martinez's single.
A later single by John Olerud tied the score at 4.

One inning later, Ichiro came up with none out and a man on first, the game
still tied at 4-4. On the first pitch, he laid down a perfect bunt along the
first base line. Pitcher Jim Mecir picked it up but threw wildly to first,
the ball sailing down the first base line. Ichiro wound up at second,
credited with a bunt single and an error on the pitcher. Two batters later,
Olerud hit a sacrifice fly and the Mariners led 5-4.

In the top of the 9th, last year's Japanese sensation Kazuhiro Sasaki came on
for the save. After yielding a lead-off single, he got a fly ball out and then
ended the game on a double play. It was a great opening day game, keyed by
both Japanese players. There is no doubt that Ichiro belongs in the majors
and will make the Mariners a very exciting team to watch. We hope that all of
you enjoy following his exploits throughout the season.

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Shinjo's debut　

Japan's other major league rookie, Tsuyoshi Shinjo of the Mets, did not start
in his team's opener. However, he came on as a pinch runner in the 8th and
showed some good baserunning skills tagging up and going to second base on
a deep fly ball to center field. He then scored on a home run by Robin Ventura.
After making a fine defensive play to end the 9th, he had his first major
league at bat in the top of the 10th. On a 0-1 pitch, he flared a single into
shallow center. Two batters later, Ventura blasted his second homer of the game
to give the Mets a 6-4 win.

Finally, there are only two more weeks until the road trip begins. We start in
Seattle on April 17th. It's going to be a lot of fun, and we'll keep you up to
date on everything in our mail magazine!

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