In less than two weeks, the 2009 season officially gets its start with many new Japanese imports preparing to test their abilities against the majors’ best. While we have come a long way as a country and as baseball fans, I thought this story was in order.
Ichiro's number, 51, in Japanese symbols
In the spring of 2001, former relief pitcher turned broadcaster Rob Dibble stood at odds with the wave of enthusiasm, led in part by baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian, over former Orix Blue Wave star and now Seattle Mariner, Ichiro Suzuki. It wasn’t that Dibble intended to disrespect Ichiro’s abilities, but rather felt that there would be a period of adjustment and that the hype would prove unfounded. After hearing one Kurkjian praise too many, the often hot-headed sports personality proclaimed that if Ichiro won the batting title, he would run through Times Square naked.
A few months passed and Ichiro was nominated to start the All Star Game in Seattle, at the time leading the league in batting with a .347 average. The former Nasty Boy, never one to back down while on the mound, upped the ante proclaiming that if Ichiro won the batting title, Dibble would tattoo his number – 51 – on his rear end. During some of the All-Star festivities, Dibble noticed Ichiro slowly walking toward him. The quiet and unassuming star stopped in front of the brazen and outspoken broadcaster and said, “Mr. Dibble, it will be an honor to have my number on your backside.”
A few more months passed and Ichiro actually improved. He finished the season winning the American League’s MVP, Rookie of the Year, stolen base crown and … yes… batting title. The atrocities of 9/11 put the Times Square stunt to rest, but Dibble made good on the tattoo - Ichiro’s 51 an everlasting reminder that prejudice, however innocent, has its consequences.
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