Ichiro considers himself a pretty deep guy--you know this if you've heard his tree speech. And when you get 200 hits in six straight seasons, you've got to do something to keep your mind fresh. So Ichiro hosts what we'd guess you'd call an intellectual game show (like most things on Japanese television, there's not really a US equivalent). Japanese-speaking freelancer Brad Lefton has the story on the show, called Ichiro Versus.

[Ichiro] matches wits against a well-known figure from far-ranging disciplines such as stage, fashion, science or law.

Tapings comprise several segments, including an amusing psychological test and a lengthy, free-flowing conversation. But the one Ichiro finds most challenging is the word-association game, in which both participants utter the first thought that comes to mind in relation to a series of words or phrases.

"I really enjoy it," Ichiro said after a taping last month. "It's tough, but exhilarating because you have to use your head. You're on the spot to crank out a meaningful thought in a split second. My brain's probably worked harder in these two years of taping than in my entire life combined."

How hard does your brain really have to work when you're facing Sidney Ponson, anyway? Here's a clip: we think it's from the word association segment.