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When Ichi Met Griffey
We love Ken Griffey Jr. for so many reasons.
We love him for homeruns he hit, and homeruns he robbed. We love the timeless image of him chugging around third base against the Yankees in the legendary Game Five, and the one from seconds later, smiling wide underneath a pigpile of grown men.
We love that he came back to the team that built him, and we love the stadium he built.
But throughout last season, we learned to love him for another reason: how happy he makes Ichiro.
With Wednesday’s announcement that Ken Griffey Jr. would rejoin the Mariners for one more year, we’re not only seeing the return of a Mariner icon, but the revival of the best Seattle bromance since Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
By all accounts, Griffey’s presence in the 2009 clubhouse lifted players’ spirits--and none more valuable than of the previously glum Ichiro. Part of Griffey’s modus operandi was reportedly merciless surprise tickle attacks while the nine-time Gold Glover tried to stretch.
Ichi, meanwhile, confessed only Griffey was allowed to attempt such an assault. Anyone else would be punched in the face--not an empty threat from someone revered for his hitting ability.
Via his agent, Ichiro reacted to Wednesday’s news from Japan saying, "What Junior brings to our team is professionalism and experience of a great player, but more than that, a great and wonderful person. Junior is good for the team, good for the young players, good for the city. He is a wonderful man and I am honored to be his teammate."
Can you feel the warm fuzzies?
If you need further proof that these two were meant to be together, you have to watch this amazing ‘90s video of Griffey and a boyish Ichiro’s first meeting at a Cincinnati Japanese restaurant. As best we can surmise, it was for a Japanese TV program that is surprisingly not a hilarious game show. You can fast forward to the actual meeting at about 1:50, or enjoy the first part where Ichi learns all about the NHL at a Mighty Ducks game (oh, the ‘90s). The blousy sweatshirts, tight fades and Japanese voiceover are priceless.
Don’t know about you, but I’d keep my eyes peeled at Benihana for a similar man-date come April.
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