An Interesting Ichiro Quote

[M's_Fan]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm..._ichiro31.html

The event's stated mission was to support the recovery efforts for victims of last year's earthquake and tsunami in Northern Japan. It's a cause that is significant to Ichiro; he donated the equivalent of $1.2 million to the victims in the immediate aftermath of the catastrophe last March. But when the publishers of the program asked Ichiro if the cause would motivate him to elevate his play during the series, it did not elicit the flowery response they likely anticipated.

"A professional athlete can't make something like that the goal of his performance," Ichiro explained. "It's almost become cliché to say you're going to try and play in a way that inspires people, or you're going to give people courage through your performance, or you're going to touch people's hearts with your play. I think it's impossible to play with such things as your goal because we are not the arbiters of whether the people watching ultimately reap those feelings from our performance. We just aren't. Those feelings can be the result of our play, but they can't be the motivation for it. We can't will fans to feel those things from our play. Performers who make such things their goal aren't in control of whether they accomplish it. I realize that and, therefore, I refrain from such thinking."

[drc]

Translation: It's hard enough to hit a baseball without trying to do that other stupid crap. What else do you propose I do? Think of a solution to the Middle East conflict and bake a cake stealing third? Tell the fans to grow a pair and find their own damn inspiration. No wonder Japanese products suck.

[drc]

P.s. Don't blame me. I just used Google translator.

[buymycards]

David,
You and Ichiro are both absolutely correct.

I believe it was someone on this board that said "Be your own role model". I try to live by that, although sometimes I fail miserably.

Rick

[jerseygary]

I'm sure millions, including the young Johnny Sylvester, was glad The Babe didn't have that kind of outlook on life.

[christopher.herman]

When asked why he played so hard, DiMaggio replied: "Because there is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first time. I owe him my best."

[steve B]

Originally Posted by christopher.herman

When asked why he played so hard, DiMaggio replied: "Because there is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first time. I owe him my best."

And I think that's a bit of what he's saying. As a professional he must always try to do as well as he can. And that's all he can do. If someone is always playing the best they can on that day ther really isn't room to elevate their play.

If that inspires someone or not is outside his control.

And to say some event will make you play better or harder is admitting that maybe you don't always give the fans your best.


Steve B

[E93]

Wow! An intelligent athlete with his ego in check! I like it.
JimB

[CW]

That is an interesting quote, M's fan. I remember Sports Illustrated had a small article awhile back with some unique and humorous replies from Ichiro. From a Mariners fan blog...

On facing Red Sox pitcher and countryman Daisuke Matsuzaka: “I hope he arouses the fire that’s dormant in the innermost recesses of my soul. I plan to face him with the zeal of a challenger.” -April 23, 2007

On Seattle’s trip to play the Indians: “I’m not excited to go to Cleveland, but we have to. If I ever saw myself saying I’m excited going to Cleveland, I’d punch myself in the face because I was lying.” -June 25, 2007

On why he ran out of the baseline to escape a potential rundown: ”I hate being touched by other people. I’d rather run away from them.” -September 17, 2007

Explaining to the New York Times his thoughts on the notion that “Chicks dig the long ball”: ”Chicks who dig home runs aren’t the ones who appeal to me. I think there’s sexiness in infield hits because they require technique. I’d rather impress the chicks with my technique than with my brute strength. Every now and then, just to show I can do that too, I might flirt a little by hitting one out.” -September 7, 2009

[drc]

All you have to know is "Chicks dig the long ball" is a television commercial slogan designed by men for men watching watch a baseball game on television in their living room. One thing not involved in the making of that phrase was a woman.

[rhettyeakley]

Originally Posted by christopher.herman

When asked why he played so hard, DiMaggio replied: "Because there is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first time. I owe him my best."

Is this the same reason he was a jerk to people he came into contact with later in his life? I personally never had any problems with him but know several people who were on the receiving end.

[shaunsteig]

Yet another example of "Seinfeld" imitating life...
http://youtu.be/_tcVPVXGoww

--S

[packs]

Ichiro seems like a cool guy.

[ethicsprof]

at first glance, pretty decent cognitive behavioral therapy in his words.
but with a bit of reflection, it reads too Ayn Rand for me.
best,
barry