TheNatural
My Member!
He's never attended a game, ever. And the Mariners actually open right down the street from him, but .. he must keep the streak alive! The only MLB owner who's never seen his team play live:
http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/sto...-owner-hiroshi-yamauchi-tokyo-never-seen-game
Something for Seattle Mariners fans to consider as they prepare for Wednesdays season opener against the Oakland As in Tokyo: Team owner Hiroshi Yamauchi never has seen the team play in person.
And despite facing only a two-hour drive from his home in Kyoto, Japan, he wont be there to see the Mariners when they play in Tokyo on Wednesday and Thursday.
Hell be watching on TV, Howard Lincoln, the Mariners chairman and CEO, told Sportspress Northwest. Given all the years hes been involved with the Mariners, hes really looking forward to see the team play. Hes very excited.
When asked if health was a reason for Yamauchis decision not to attend the two games in Tokyo, Lincoln didnt offer many details.
He didnt give me a reason, he just indicated to me hes not going to be here, Lincoln told Sportspress Northwest. Quite frankly, a man of his age and stature doesnt have to explain why hes not here.
Yamauchi was instrumental in the Mariners signing of Ichiro Suzuki, who was a star in Japan before arriving in Major League Baseball in 2001. Ichiro was asked about Yamauchi upon his arrival in Japan this week.
Yes, of course, I would like to play (in front of Yamauchi), Ichiro said recently through his interpreter. At the same time, I dont want to put pressure on his back. Thats a tough question.
Yamauchi, 84, has been the Mariners majority owner since 1992.
http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/sto...-owner-hiroshi-yamauchi-tokyo-never-seen-game