Ichiromatsui, who is serious about baseball, participated in the children's class for friendly games hosted by opponents side by side, and 213 batting balls (Min Chang-ki's Japanese baseball) took the mound in two days

Sep 03, 2025

Ichiro attended a children's baseball class held by Matsui in his hometown of Ishikawa Prefecture on the 2nd. Photo capture = Chunichi Sports

Ichiro and Matsui, who competed side by side with the women's high school team on Aug. 31. Photo capture = Chunichi Sports

Two 'Legends' that don't need a long explanation were also present. Suzuki Ichiro (51), who shines in the U.S.-Japan children's baseball class held by Hideki Matsui (51), who recorded a total of "507 home runs", participated in the U.S.-Japan baseball class. Baseball boys and parents burst into cheers when Ichiro, the first Asian to be inducted into the U.S. Major League Hall of Fame in July, appeared like a surprise gift. It was at a children's baseball class in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Matsui's hometown, on the 2nd.

Ichiro, who turned middle-aged in his 50s, took the mound in two days. He threw as many as 213 pitches against 14 elementary school players who took a practice hit. The ball control was shaken at the beginning, but it gradually stabilized. Japanese media reported that young players shouted `Nice ball' at Ichiro's pitching.

Ichiro, a baseball evangelist, held a signing event and had a question-and-answer session with the participating players. He "I learned a lot today, too. Thank you very much." It is a dream time for 55 baseball boys. Ichiro gave me a long-forgotten memory.

Matsui is continuing to donate his talent after finishing his career. The event was the 36th in his career in the U.S. and 12th children's baseball class held in Japan. Nanao City, located in the center of the Noto Peninsula, was hit hard by last year's earthquake. Matsui is a 4th-6th grader living in the central and northern part of the Noto Peninsula

The number 52 worn by Ichiro in Seattle was permanently retired. Photo capture = Seattle Mariners SNS

'55 people' were selected by lottery and invited. When he was active, he coached the same number of baseball boys as his jersey number '55'.

On August 31, two days ago, Ichiro pitched 111 pitches in a friendly match against the Japanese high school women's baseball selection team. He was the starting pitcher of his own baseball club 'Kobe CHIBEN' and won nine innings with one hit. He threw a maximum speed of 135 km/h and struck out 14. Even though it was a friendly match against a high school female player, he played with all his heart. It was the fifth event match this year.

Matsui played in the game at Ichiro's hometown of Nagoya Banterindome in Aichi Prefecture for the second consecutive year and hit a home run for the second consecutive year. In other words, the two legends worked hard on the other event. Daisuke Matsuzaka and Kazuo Matsui, who were famous for an era, also participated in the game as players 'Kobe Ziben'.

Ichiro, who played as a pitcher in high school. In the professional league, he was an outfielder with strong opinions. He pitched as a reliever in an away game against the Philadelphia Phillies in 2015 when he was a member of the Seattle Mariners. He went out as the fourth pitcher in the eighth inning and allowed one run in one inning.

Ichiro was inducted into the Major League Hall of Fame in July as the first Asian to do so. Ichiro made his major league debut in Seattle and recorded a batting average of .300-200 for the 10th consecutive year. Photo capture = Seattle Mariners SNS

Ichiro said, `I've achieved my dream of taking the mound in the major leagues.'

Ichiro and Matsui, one year seniors. I took a similar path. He succeeded by scoring the best in the Japanese league side by side and challenging to the Major League.

Ichiro, who started with the Orix Blue Wave, wore a Seattle uniform in 2001. After playing for the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins, he returned to Seattle and retired. He won both the American League Rookie of the Year and MVP in his debut season. For the 10th consecutive year, he has produced records such as a batting average of .300-200 hits and the most hits in a single major league season.

Matsui, the fourth batter of the Yomiuri Giants. In 2003, he moved to the New York Yankees and played as the main hitter. For the third consecutive year since his first year, he has been named the World Series MVP with "100 RBIs". He played for the Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, and ended the Tampa Bay Rays.