With the Mariners and A's now in Japan, all eyes (and cameras) are on Ichiro
The A's and Mariners have arrived in Japan, ahead of the Opening Series at the Tokyo Dome next week. The two-game set will mark the start of the 2019 MLB regular season, the second time the two AL West clubs have matched up for a Japan series since 2012.
This, of course, means one thing that is of supreme notoriety in the region: Ichiro is back in Japan. Suzuki is expected to suit up and play for the Mariners in their Opening Day lineup next week, which will obviously be a big deal.
Also a big deal? When he, Yusei Kikuchi and manager Scott Servais showed up for a press conference upon arriving in Tokyo.
The center of attention. #MLB開幕戦 pic.twitter.com/sL6W9VwO1O
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 16, 2019
The media attention was intense.
Think these guys are big here? #MLB開幕戦 pic.twitter.com/AeAG2wEoli
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 16, 2019
The A's, meanwhile, touched down after a 12-hour flight and hit the tarmac like movie stars.
How do you pass the time on a 12-hour international flight? Well, reliever
During a twelve hour flight, you could expect things to get a little weird. Ryan Buchter grabbed a mic to get a feel for what the guys were looking forward to on their trip to Japan in something we like to call Open Buch. pic.twitter.com/Zx5UpUiIXE
— Oakland Athletics 🌳🐘⚾️ (@Athletics) March 16, 2019
Here's Rickey Henderson strolling through the airport ahead of his involvement in the Opening Series Ceremonial First Pitch, which looks like it'll be pretty great.
Enter the 🐐#MLB開幕戦 pic.twitter.com/jKvTkd8ZfA
— Oakland Athletics 🌳🐘⚾️ (@Athletics) March 15, 2019
On Saturday, the clubs hit the Tokyo Dome for some practice, drills and just taking it all in.
We postin’ about practice.
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 16, 2019
First workout from Japan is underway at the Tokyo Dome. pic.twitter.com/4oBN3xxt8N
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 16, 2019
Home sweet Dome. #MLB開幕戦 pic.twitter.com/tB5tf7btA1
— Oakland Athletics 🌳🐘⚾️ (@Athletics) March 16, 2019
There's Ichiro, putting on a show as always.
Going to be watching this on loop for a bit. #MLB開幕戦 pic.twitter.com/L14v7ZGSpL
— MLB (@MLB) March 16, 2019
New venue, same Chappy. #MLB開幕戦 pic.twitter.com/wy09Sc9jJl
— Oakland Athletics 🌳🐘⚾️ (@Athletics) March 16, 2019
As did reigning American League home run leader
KD brings the absolute thunder. #MLB開幕戦 pic.twitter.com/0JlMBtYbDC
— Oakland Athletics 🌳🐘⚾️ (@Athletics) March 16, 2019
Be sure to tune in on Wednesday, March 21 when Kikuchi and the Mariners begin the 2019 season against
