Already facing the pressure of being the most anticipated Japanese import in the game's history, Ichiro was also issued uniform number "51" by the Mariners. 51 had been Randy Johnson's number with the club and Ichiro knew these digits came with a huge responsibility. The rookie penned a letter to Johnson vowing to never "bring shame" to the uniform, and he didn't. Ichiro went on to have the one of the greatest rookie seasons of all-time, setting the new record for hits by a rookie, leading the league in both hits and stolen bases and running away with the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

      This is one of the bats Ichiro used during that historic rookie campaign. The Mizuno model 51 bat is un-cracked and shows good game use. The barrel has several ball marks and white leather ball scuffs visible. The knob end has Ichiro's number "51" stamped into it and comes with a Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA (1B11900) who have graded this Ichiro rookie gamer a “GU 8.5”.

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