Ichiro has retired

I moved to Seattle in late 2000, and I was in the ballpark for plenty of games in 2001, his first year in the Major Leagues.  Man, he was awesome to watch.

The Mariners showed class.  Ichiro had "partially retired" last year, but the Mariners kept him on so that he could play his last games in Japan.  I regret that he never got to win a World Series, but he's not the first world-class player who never made it, and he won't be the last.

So long, and smooth sailing, Ichiro.