TOKYO (AP) — Joey Mellows is taking his passion for baseball on the road. Long haul.The 34-year-old Englishman, better known by his @BaseballBrit Twitter handle, has quit his day job to watch an entire season of baseball games across three continents."Some people were fairly impressed that I was doing something I'm so passionate about," Mellows said recently at Tokyo Dome, where he kicked off his baseball odyssey by witnessing Ichiro Suzuki's final games as the Seattle Mariners swept the Oakland A's in a two-game series."My family is very supportive," Mellows added. "Co-workers were a little bit surprised but I think they're on board now and they're following along on Twitter and I think they are a little bit jealous, to be honest."Mellows left his job as an English teacher in China for this trip, which he's hoping will involve watching 162 games in person.He got the idea for the journey after discovering that the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees were going to play two games in June... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais didn't need long to come up with one immediate advantage to playing exhibition games after having already opened the regular season."Yeah, the fact we're 2-0 is not a bad thing," Servais joked.Servais could joke because the atmosphere around the Seattle clubhouse was relaxed, if not a little jet-lagged still, before beginning an awkward two-day stretch on Monday night with the first of two exhibition games against the San Diego Padres.After the fanfare and excitement of traveling across the Pacific to Japan, opening the season with a pair of victories over Oakland, and bidding farewell to the professional career of Ichiro Suzuki, the Mariners returned home for a pair of games with little-to-no meaning that don't count in the standings.Seattle still appeared to be feeling the effects of the trip. The Padres scored six runs in the first inning on their way to an 8-0 victory. Manny Machado doubled, Franmil Reyes hit a three-run homer and... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais didn't need long to come up with one immediate advantage to having already opened the regular season."Yeah, the fact we're 2-0 is not a bad thing," Servais joked.Servais could joke because the atmosphere around the Seattle clubhouse was relaxed, if not a little jet-lagged still, before beginning an awkward two-day stretch on Monday night with the first of two exhibition games against the San Diego Padres.After the fanfare and excitement of traveling across the Pacific to Japan, opening the season with a pair of victories over Oakland, and bidding farewell to the professional career of Ichiro Suzuki, the Mariners returned home for a pair of games with little-to-no meaning that don't count in the standings.It's an odd circumstance for everyone involved to have two games that count, followed by two games with no bearing other than getting pitchers a few more innings and giving the chance for a few prospects to play in T-Mobile Park. Servais... [More]

Reaction from the baseball world to the retirement of Japanese star Ichiro Suzuki, who played his final game Thursday with the Seattle Mariners against the Oakland Athletics in Tokyo.___"He was a superstar when I was in elementary school. I never thought I would be playing with him in my wildest dreams. I had the opportunity to be teammates with him in the (World Baseball Classic) in 2009 and obviously I had the chance to play with him (with the Yankees) in 2014. Just taking myself back to those moments, like I said earlier, I never thought that I would be able to be teammates and play on the same field with him in my wildest dreams. ... It's too grand of an impact. I can't even put them into words. He made a huge, huge impact." — Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka___"I'm not going to see him play anymore but I'll still have the memories. ... I was very thankful that he reached out and gave me some advice last year. It's really hard for someone that big and such a superstar to give me advice... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — At times, it seemed as if he'd go on hitting forever.But on Thursday night, a player who defined baseball at its very best on two continents for a generation, took his final swing.The great Ichiro has said "sayonara."Now 45, Ichiro Suzuki left the Tokyo Dome field in the eighth inning, waving goodbye to the packed crowd amid hugs from Seattle Mariners teammates in a three-minute walk that signaled to all his monumental run was over."I have ended my career and decided to retire," Ichiro said, speaking in Japanese at a news conference after a 5-4 win over Oakland in 12 innings.He said his contract was through the two games in Japan, and said he decided before arriving last week to step away."After the reception I got today, how could I possibly have any regrets?" he said. "I couldn't play well enough in spring training to earn an extension."Ichiro went 0 for 4 in his farewell. In his last at-bat, he came up with two outs, a runner on second and a tie score in the eighth. He hit... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki has said "sayonara."The 45-year-old Seattle Mariners star announced his retirement Thursday night, shortly after waving goodbye at the Tokyo Dome during a 5-4 win over Oakland in 12 innings.Ichiro went 0 for 4 and was pulled from right field in the eighth, saluting his adoring fans in the packed crowd. He drew hugs from teammates in a three-minute walk that signaled to all his great career had ended.The outfielder said in a statement after the game that he had "achieved so many of my dreams in baseball, both in my career in Japan and, since 2001, in Major League Baseball."He added that he was "honored to end my big league career where it started, with Seattle, and think it is fitting that my last games as a professional were played in my home country of Japan."Ichiro was a 10-time All-Star in the majors. He got 3,089 hits over a 19-year career in the big leagues after getting 1,278 while starring in Japan. His combined total of 4,367 is a professional record.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports___AP Sports Writer Tim Booth contributed from Seattle.

TOKYO (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki seems to have said "sayonara."The 45-year-old Seattle Mariners star left the Tokyo Dome field in the eighth inning on Thursday night, waving goodbye to the packed crowd amid hugs from teammates in a three-minute walk that signaled to all his great career has ended.The Japanese agency Kyodo News reported during the game against Oakland that Ichiro would announce his retirement after it was over.Ichiro went 0 for 4. He took his spot in right field in the eighth, but then was pulled by manager Scott Servais and the walk into history began in front of a sellout of 45,000.He strolled from right field, turned and waved to the crowd with all of the usually reserved Japanese fans on their feet.To chants of "Ichiro, Ichiro, Ichiro" he was greeted at the dugout — and later in the dugout — by emotional embraces from teammates. Yusei Kikuchi, the Japanese rookie pitcher who started the game, openly broke down crying when he embraced Ichiro.Oakland players stood solemnly and... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki seems to have said "sayonara."The 45-year-old Seattle Mariner star left the Tokyo Dome field in the eighth inning on Thursday night, waving goodbye to the crowd and being hugged by teammates in a three-minute walk that signaled to all his great career has ended.The Japanese agency Kyodo News reported during the game against Oakland that Ichiro would announce his retirement after it was over.Ichiro went 0 for 4. He took his spot in right field in the eighth, but then was pulled by manager Scott Servais and the walk into history began in front of a sellout of 45,000.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

TOKYO (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki started for the Seattle Mariners on Thursday in what the Japanese news agency Kyodo is reporting will be his final major league game.The 45-year-old Ichiro fouled out his first time up and grounded out in his next at-bat against Oakland. Each time the crowd chanted "Ichiro, Ichiro" as camera flashes and iPhone flashes lit up the 45,000 sellout at the Tokyo Dome.Kyodo didn't cite the source of its report.Seattle manager Scott Servais had hinted that, after Ichiro started in a season-opening victory against the Athletics on Wednesday, he might not start the final game of the brief series that opened the Major League Baseball season."I wasn't quite sure," Servais said. "I thought we'd give him the opportunity to go out there. And I'd love to see him get a couple of hits and finish on a high note here. I want to do the right thing."Ichiro has been swarmed over in games in Japan. On Thursday he signed caps, jerseys, photos and balls down the left field line with security... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki is in the starting lineup for the Mariners against the Oakland Athletics in what might be his last game in the majors.Seattle manager Scott Servais had earlier hinted that, after Ichiro started in a season-opening victory against the A's on Wednesday, he might not start on Thursday in the final game of the brief series.Servais says: I wasn't quite sure. I thought we'd give him the opportunity to go out there. And I'd love to see him get a couple of hits and finish on a high note here."The future of 45-year-old Ichiro is unclear. Many expect him to retire after the Japan series, or when the Mariners return home for two spring training games with the San Diego Padres before the regular season resumes against the Boston Red Sox.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Mike Trout was back on the baseball field Wednesday, getting at-bats during an intrasquad minor league game against other Los Angeles Angels players. He finished his six plate appearances at Field 4 with a home run, signed some autographs, and chatted with former Angels outfielder Torii Hunter.Trout didn't speak to the media but Angels teammate Shohei Ohtani did, touting the two-time Most Valuable Player as being worthy of a new contract extension."I'm really happy and excited to play with such a great player for a long time," Ohtani said through an interpreter. "If anyone deserved such a big contract, it's Mike, and I think he surely deserves it."Trout, 27, and the Angels are close to finalizing a $432 million, 12-year contract. The deal was disclosed Tuesday by a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The contract was likely to be announced by the end of the week, the person said.Ohtani first met Trout during... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — Talk about a serious home-field advantage.Ichiro Suzuki had it on a night to celebrate all things Ichiro — "Ichiromania" in other words — as he started for the Seattle Mariners against the Oakland Athletics in MLB's opening game of the season.About 45,000 voices in a sellout crowd on Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome chanted his name as he took his place in right field. The scene is likely to be repeated on Thursday when the teams finish their Tokyo series. That game may also mark and end for the 45-year-old Ichiro, though no one is saying."I thought it was amazing to see the crowd come out here for him," Mariners second baseman Dee Gordon said after a 9-7 win. "This whole situation is pretty much for him and he deserves it."Ichiro provided his usual flair early, catching a ball behind his back during batting practice.Cameras flashed and chants echoed all around the park when Ichiro came to bat in the third inning. But with fans eager to see him deliver, he popped up with a runner... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — Talk about a serious home-field advantage.Ichiro Suzuki had it on a night to celebrate all things Ichiro — "Ichiromania" in other words — as he started for the Seattle Mariners against the Oakland Athletics in MLB's opening game of the season.About 45,000 voices in a sellout crowd on Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome chanted his name as he took his place in right field. The scene is likely to be repeated on Thursday when the teams finish their Tokyo series. That game may also mark and end for the 45-year-old Ichiro, though no one is saying."I thought it was amazing to see the crowd come out here for him," Mariners second baseman Dee Gordon said after a 9-7 win. "This whole situation is pretty much for him and he deserves it."Ichiro provided his usual flair early, catching a ball behind his back during batting practice.Cameras flashed and chants echoed all around the park when Ichiro came to bat in the third inning. But with fans eager to see him deliver, he popped up with a runner... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — Talk about a serious home-field advantage.Ichiro Suzuki had it on a night to celebrate all things Ichiro — "Ichiromania" in other words — as he started for the Seattle Mariners against the Oakland Athletics in MLB's opening game of the season.About 45,000 voices in a sellout crowd on Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome chanted his name as he took his place in right field. The scene is likely to be repeated on Thursday when the teams finish their Tokyo series. That game may also mark and end for the 45-year-old Ichiro, though no one is saying.Cameras flashed and chants echoed all around the ballpark when Ichiro came to bat in the third inning. But with fans eager to see him deliver, he popped up with a runner on second base.He worked a walk in his second at-bat in the fourth and, after taking his place in the outfield for the bottom half, was pulled from the game. He trotted off to another huge ovation and was hugged by teammates in the infield.Ichiro tipped his hat to the A's dugout... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — Talk about a serious home-field advantage.Ichiro Suzuki had it on a night to celebrate all things Ichiro — "Ichiromania" in other words — as he started for the Seattle Mariners against the Oakland Athletics in MLB's opening game of the season.About 45,000 voices in a sellout crowd on Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome chanted his name as he took his place in right field. The scene is likely to be repeated on Thursday when the teams finish their Tokyo series. That game may also mark and end for the 45-year-old Ichiro, though no one is saying.Cameras flashed and chants echoed all around the ballpark when Ichiro came to bat in the third inning. But with fans eager to see him deliver, he popped up with a runner on second base.He worked a walk in his second at-bat in the fourth and, after taking his place in the outfield for the bottom half, was pulled from the game. He trotted off to another huge ovation and was hugged by teammates in the infield.Ichiro tipped his hat to the A's dugout... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — Talk about a serious home-field advantage.Ichiro Suzuki had it on a night to celebrate all things Ichiro — "Ichiromania" in other words — as he started for the Seattle Mariners against the Oakland Athletics in MLB's opening game of the season.About 45,000 voices in a sellout crowd on Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome chanted his name as he took his place in right field. The scene is likely to be repeated on Thursday when the teams finish their Tokyo series. That game may also mark and end for the 45-year-old Ichiro, though no one is saying.Cameras flashed and chants echoed all around the ballpark when Ichiro came to bat in the third inning. But with fans eager to see him deliver, he popped up with a runner on second base.Hundreds wore Ichiro jerseys — of different eras and colors — emblazoned with No. 51, and a military band played a Sousa march in the pregame ceremonies.A half-dozen fans lined up just behind the third-base dugout and held up cards spelling out his name in Japanese.... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — Talk about a serious home-field advantage.Ichiro Suzuki had it on a night to celebrate all things Ichiro — "Ichiromania" in other words — as he started for the Seattle Mariners against the Oakland Athletics in MLB's opening game of the season.About 45,000 voices in a sellout crowd on Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome chanted his name as he took his place in right field. The scene is likely to be repeated on Thursday when the teams finish their Tokyo series. That game may also mark and end for the 45-year-old Ichiro, though no one is saying.The season began at 6:36 p.m. (5:36 a.m. EDT) when Mike Fiers threw ball one to Mariners leadoff man Dee Gordon.But there was no doubt which player most fans came to see.Hundreds wore Ichiro jerseys — of different eras and colors — emblazoned with No. 51, and a military band played a Sousa march in the pregame ceremonies.A half-dozen fans lined up just behind the third-base dugout and held up cards spelling out his name in Japanese. Another wore... [More]

Bryce, Manny and Ichiro. London calling, and Cleveland rocks. Lots of intrigue on the baseball schedule this summer.Here are a handful of dates to mark on the calendar:WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics: Ichiro Suzuki returns to his native Japan when Seattle and Oakland open the season with a two-game set at the Tokyo Dome. The 45-year-old Suzuki, a 10-time All-Star, is nearing the end of his storied career after he hit .205 in 15 games last year before moving into Seattle's front office. But the lure of playing another game or two in his home country helped draw him back to the field this spring. The Mariners and Athletics also faced each other in the last opening series at Tokyo, splitting two games in 2012.TUESDAY, APRIL 2Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals: Bryce Harper doesn't have to wait very long to get his first game against Washington out of the way. Harper played for the Nationals for seven seasons, winning the NL MVP award in 2015 and making the... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — This is the Ichiro effect.Richard Snitzer had never been to Japan. What finally drove the Japanese-American to travel here from his home in Hayward, California, was Ichiro Suzuki; not family ties, not pure wanderlust, but a chance to see a player he called "simply the best."And get this. He's not even a Mariners fan, which he's advertised by wearing his A's jersey around the Tokyo Dome.He'll be there Wednesday when Major League Baseball opens the 2019 season with Seattle facing Oakland to start a two-game series. The 45-year-old Ichiro is expected to play in both. What happens next? Ichiro isn't saying.One thing is sure. It will be great theater."I'll have my phone ready to go, and I'll shoot and stand up and applaud when he bats," Snitzer said. "I just hope he doesn't get the winning hit against the A's. If he hits a home run that doesn't affect the game, I'll be thrilled."A's pitcher Liam Hendriks probably spoke for both teams."We're just happy to be along for the ride,"... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — Amid all the hoopla surrounding Ichiro Suzuki's return to Japan with the Seattle Mariners, it's been easy to overlook something else: the Oakland Athletics are here, too.The A's are used to being seen as the also-rans, and even relish it. They were a playoff team last season — not the Mariners. And when "Ichiromania" subsides after the season-opening games in the Tokyo Dome on Wednesday and Thursday, the A's will again be under-the-radar favorites."The A's have always been an underdog organization no matter how you put it," A's pitcher Liam Hendriks said. "We enjoy proving people wrong."Teammate Stephen Piscotty, who is playing for his childhood team, put it a different way."I don't think we care too much about how that's viewed," he said. "Last year's expectations weren't all that high, and we showed why that was wrong. We're out this year to take down the division and just play our brand of baseball."Hendriks might be the quintessential Oakland A's player.He grew up in Perth,... [More]