Ichiro
Peoria, Arizona: Another beautiful day and another jog
before heading over to the Peoria Sports Complex. I ran a very long distance
today (for me) and Joanie Benoit Samuelson talked into my headset, congratulating me.
Yeah me. However, when I went to sync my workout on my NIKE+ page - poof
- it was gone. Like I never ran this morning. Sometimes technology just
bites you on the Achilles heel.
Dang.
My luck was better at the stadium this afternoon, as Ichiro Suzuki blessed us
with an appearance! Before the 1:05p game (Mariners v Oakland Athletics at
Peoria Sports Complex), DT and I walked around the entire stadium
to see what we could see.
We saw this - water, Gatorade, sunflower seeds
(regular and BBQ flavored) and two big
buckets of bubble gum - ready for the players in the
Mariner bullpen. Unseen in this photo is also a box
of pumpkin seeds... probably for the health-nuts on
the team.
We also watched the players walk from the locker
room to the ball field. Some stopped to sign
autographs for the fans lining the walkway. Some did
not. I'm not naming names, but it's not Ichiro.
Ichiro is not allowed to walk this gauntlet and
interact with mere mortals.
They drive him to the stadium in a golf cart.
Prima donna or a safety issue?
Ken Griffey, Jr. walked into the stadium on his own
two feet. That's about all the exercise he had today
too. He can't bat worth crap very well at all these days...
though I would guess Griffey has dropped at least
twenty pounds in the off-season. Looking good,
Junior!
Mariner fielder Milton Bradley (#15) slides into
second base. Obviously, his parents did not have one
of those "baby name" books.
We take a brief pause in this RV Travelogue for a
photo for Mary:
Franklin Gutierrez
Mary just loves Frankie.
Now, back to our regular program.
Below you will find way too many
photos of my favorite Mariner, right-fielder Ichiro
Suzuki. Ichiro is a very serious athlete and very
serious about his game. He is an outstanding batter
too. Ichiro has an interesting pre-batting routine.
Ichiro is very limber.
Ichiro stretches. He bends.
Perfects his grip.
He adjusts his shirt.
Then he is finally ready for a
pitch.
Keep those knees together, Ichiro!
Bang.
Ichiro is like a shark. He can't
stop moving. Even when he is in the field, he is
stretching. Scratching. Adjusting stuff.
You might think Ichiro is just ready
to catch a fly ball. You are wrong. I am sure he is
in a yoga position. Possibly meditating.
But he can catch a ball.
If Ichiro doesn't catch a ball - and
the nearby centerfielder does - Ichiro gives him
props. Who knew Ichiro was a Texas fan? Hook'em
Horns!
The trivial things you learn looking at the
pictures reading RVGoddess.com.
I'm telling you - if you read this website everyday,
you will one-day be Jeopardy champion.
Just sayin'.
Okay... maybe he is just signaling the Athletics
have two outs. Whatever.
And now the game is over. Mariners lost 7-2 to the
Oakland Athletics.
But I don't really care. It is only "pre-season", and I
saw Ichiro all afternoon. In 85 degree temperatures. From seats in the
shade.
Until my next update, I remain, your Ichiro-adoring correspondent.
RV Park: Valley of the Sun RV
Park. Bare-bones facility behind the Ramada Inn on
Grand Avenue near the 101 Ring Road. $230 for a
week. Our site is one of the few with 50 amp
service. Back-in site over quickly-collapsing
asphalt. Bath house and laundry and it seems RV
guests can use the motel pool.