Ichiro on Ichiro: Conversations with Narumi Komatsu [Hardcover]

Narumi Komatsu (Author), Philip Gabriel (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 10, 2004

Since Ichiro Suzuki joined the Mariners in 2001, he has awed America, earned the respect of his teammates, and won the heart of Seattle. But being notoriously private and media-elusive: baseball fans know very little about him. Ichiro on Ichiro gives readers a rare glimpse into the mind and soul of this amazing player. He recalls memories of his childhood and his relationship with his father in Japan; his baseball career and celebrity status in his home country; his feelings on arriving in America for spring training; adapting to American culture and receiving awards and adulation. Reclusive Ichiro trusted no other writer than Narumi Komatsu to conduct this Q & A interview. Readers are fortunate to be brought into this exceptional conversation and to share in Ichiro's closely held feelings on the sport, the Mariners, his wife, and the media.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ichiro Suzuki, the right fielder for the Seattle Mariners, won major league baseball's MVP award in 2001. Narumi Komatsu is a journalist based in Tokyo. Philip Gabriel lives in Seattle.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Sasquatch Books (August 10, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570614318
• ISBN-13: 978-1570614316
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.9 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #936,765 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A surprisingly personal and insightful book on Ichiro, October 15, 2004

By 

Michael Erisman (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ichiro on Ichiro: Conversations with Narumi Komatsu (Hardcover)

Ichiro recently broke the Major League Baseball record for most hits in one season, a record that had stood for 84 years. On the evening in Seattle when he had a chance to tie the record with a hit, or break it with two, he promptly hit safely his first two times up. His record number of 262 hits was nearly 50 hits better than the runner up in the American League this season.

This book gives a very personal glimpse into the mindset of the man who not only has set numerous Major League records, but is a national hero in his native Japan after winning seven consecutive batting titles there. The book is laid out entirely in Q&A format and covers his entire playing career, his childhood, little league, his move to America and his first three seasons playing for the Seattle Mariners. While most biographies tell a story, what is surprising about this book is how direct and honest he is. It is fascinating to read about the mental and physical preparation he puts into the game.

Recently a Sports Illustrated writer attempted to discount his hits record. This was a huge miss. Ichiro is the real deal, a major leaguer who respects the game in every way, plays his all for the fans, and earns every hit he gets. The hard facts are that for 84 years thousands of players have failed to break that record for a reason. An amazing athlete with gold glove fielding ability, an arm like Roberto Clemente, and the ability to turn a soft infield ground ball into two bases with a single and a stolen base.

This book is worth reading if you are at all a fan of the game. It is refreshing in an era of ego-maniacs and over paid prima donnas, that we have an athlete who takes his craft seriously, wants to work to earn every penny, and is humble in the process. If you are not a fan of his records, then this book will likely make a fan out of you for his professionalism, respect for the game and attitude. An unfortunate rarity in sports these days. A class act all the way.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Talks with a consumate master of the game., October 7, 2004

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ichiro on Ichiro: Conversations with Narumi Komatsu (Hardcover)

The superlatives are well known: hits, fielding, 3.6 seconds to first base, stealing bases - everything. Less well known is the man behind the bat. From his life in Japan, his family, the big change from living in Japan to living in Seattle.

But above all this book is on baseball: how it is played in Japan, how it is different here; the relationships among the players, negeotiating salaries with the team; the consistent and unrelenting pressure from the press. Perhaps the best though is the serious analysis of the game that he gives every aspect of the game. Excellent, even if you're not a Mariners fan.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ichi-riffic! Stars are not worthy to rate this....., September 29, 2004

By 

R. Lundstrom "Ichiro-Follower" (Poulsbo, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ichiro on Ichiro: Conversations with Narumi Komatsu (Hardcover)

Mr. Philip Gabriel is magnificent in putting together of the most interviews Ichiro has ever had with one media member. Mr. Komatsu's questions are straight to the point, and they are easy to understand. Ichiro really opens up and really lets the reader understand how he ticks. The Sultan of Swat! Go Ichiro - 257!

A great buy for the casual fan wanting to really know who Ichiro is - and for the serious fan who wants to know exactly what that skinny guy slapping singles and beating out infield grounders on the diamond is really all about.

Great addition to the library! WELL worth the $30 it was on it's first day!