Ichiro opts out of 2013 WBC
Share This Story
TOKYO (AP)
Ichiro Suzuki told Japanese baseball officials on Monday he has decided not to take part in next year's World Baseball Classic.
''I appreciate being asked to play for Japan again at the WBC,'' Suzuki said. ''But after the second tournament in 2009 I never considered playing in the third event. My feelings have not changed to this day, and it's where things stand.''
The 39-year-old Suzuki, who was instrumental in helping Japan win the WBC in 2006 and 2009, joins fellow Japanese major leaguers Yu Darvish of the Texas Rangers and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Norichika Aoki in opting out of the March 2-19 tournament.
Suzuki, a free agent, was traded from the Seattle Mariners to the New York Yankees in July. Yankees' pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, another free agent, also said Monday he would not play in the 2013 WBC.
Suzuki hit .322 in 67 games for the Yankees and was one of the team's most consistent hitters.
In the final of the 2009 WBC, Suzuki drove in the winning run with a line drive to center in the 10th inning as Japan beat South Korea 5-3 to claim its second straight title.
With many major league players opting out, Japan will likely field a team made up entirely of players from the domestic professional league.
Japan beat first-round WBC opponent Cuba in two exhibition games on the weekend by scores of 2-0 and 3-1 with players from the Central and Pacific leagues.
Japan opens defense of its WBC title on March 2 in Pool A in Fukuoka, Japan, where it will face Cuba, China and a yet-to-be-determined qualifier.
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Teen strangled by dog lead
A Kentucky high school football player known as a "jokester" was strangled by a dog l... -
Tiger, Sergio are both chicken
Neither Sergio Garcia nor Tiger Woods did anything to promote better race relations. ... -
Flock, Petty highlight new class
Flock. Petty. Jarrett. Ingram. Roberts. New Hall class is diverse. -
Reports: 'Melo has shoulder tear
New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony played in the NBA playoffs with a partially torn... -
Penguins go up 3-1 on Senators
Penguins roll, shove Senators to brink.
MLB Videos
Lyons on MLB debut, win
Posted: May 23, 2013
Cardinals rookie Tyler Lyons shares his thoughts on making his MLB debut during ...
Cardinals rookie Tyler Lyons shares his thoughts on making his MLB debut during ...
Verlander on victory, rain delay
Posted: May 23, 2013
Justin Verlander on Wednesday's win over Cleveland.
Justin Verlander on Wednesday's win over Cleveland.
Mental strength key to Tigers' victory
Posted: May 23, 2013
Tigers catcher Brayan Pena believes staying mentally focused was instrumental in...
Tigers catcher Brayan Pena believes staying mentally focused was instrumental in...
MLB Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike New York Yankees Practice T-Shirt - Ash | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_New_York_Yankees/browse/featuredproduct/606363/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_606000/ff_606363_xl.jpg&w=100 | 27.95 | Nike New York Yankees Practice T-Shirt - Ash |
| Majestic Detroit Tigers 2012 MLB American League Champions Clubhouse Locker Room T-Shirt - Navy Blue | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Detroit_Tigers/browse/featuredproduct/1064043/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1064000/ff_1064043_xl.jpg&w=100 | 24.95 | Majestic Detroit Tigers 2012 MLB American League Champions Clubhouse Locker Room.. |
| Majestic San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Clubhouse Locker Room T-Shirt - Gray | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_San_Francisco_Giants/browse/featuredproduct/1067359/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1067000/ff_1067359_xl.jpg&w=100 | 24.95 | Majestic San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Clubhouse Locker R.. |
| Majestic San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Clubhouse Locker Room Pullover Hoodie - Steel | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_San_Francisco_Giants/browse/featuredproduct/1067382/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1067000/ff_1067382_xl.jpg&w=100 | 54.95 | Majestic San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Clubhouse Locker R.. |
| New Era San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Clubhouse Locker Room 39THIRTY Flex Hat - Charcoal/Black | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_San_Francisco_Giants/browse/featuredproduct/1067785/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1067000/ff_1067785_xl.jpg&w=100 | 31.95 | New Era San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Clubhouse Locker Ro.. |
| Majestic San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Glory T-Shirt - Black | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_San_Francisco_Giants/browse/featuredproduct/1068294/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1068000/ff_1068294_xl.jpg&w=100 | 21.95 | Majestic San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Glory T-Shirt - Bl.. |
| Majestic San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Batting Practice Performance Jersey - Black/Orange | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_San_Francisco_Giants/browse/featuredproduct/1068787/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1068000/ff_1068787_xl.jpg&w=100 | 94.95 | Majestic San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Batting Practice P.. |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "Post comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be Polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.