Opening Day Auction Closing May 9th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/10/2015
Already a star in Japan, Ichiro left for Major League Baseball and joined the Seattle Mariners in 2001, becoming the first Japanese born position player to be signed to the major leagues. He won both the American League Rookie of the Year Award, as well as American League MVP honors in his first season. Capturing the attention of the nation, his games were regularly broadcast on prime time television, showcasing his unique batting style and showing off his talents not only at the plate but in the field as well. With a dangerous presence on the base paths, Ichiro’s unique hitting style allowed him to adjust on the fly. From pitch to pitch he could be seen leaning towards first base as he took his swing, causing the defense to account for his speed as he raced towards first base. With a strong and accurate arm in the outfield as well, this one man highlight reel kept runners in check. In his prime, only those brave enough dared to test his arm. Ichiro is a 10 time MLB All-Star and 10 time Gold Glove Award winner. He holds a number of batting records and is on his way to a 3,000 hit career currently playing for the Miami Marlins in the National League. He is also the first MLB player to enter the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. This home jersey is signed on the back in sliver on the number 5 of #51. The signature has been pre-certified by PSA/DNA.