Into the Sunset: Ichiro Against the Twins

Ichiro suited up against the Twins in 119 games throughout his career. In those contests, he hit .333/.362/.415 with 10 doubles, eight triples and five home runs. He stole 21 bases and was thrown out nine times. He also posted a 51 to 23 strikeout to walk ratio. Considering that was almost an entire season’s worth of work, he posted quite the impressive numbers.

His best season against the Twins was in 2006. He faced the Twins eight times that season and hit .526/.538/.711 with a home run, two triples and two steals. He had three four-hit games against the Twins that season including two in one June series. In that series alone, he went 11-for-16 with a home run and two RBI.

The 2013 campaign wasn’t too bad either for the aging star in his first full season as a Yankee. In seven games, he hit .444/.483/.741 with three doubles, a triple and a home run. In a series over the Fourth of July at Target Field, Ichiro went 7-for-15 with two doubles and a triple.

Ichiro made his last trip to Target Field for the Twins Home Opener this season. It’s no secret that he struggled this season as he hit .205/.255/.205 in 15 games. However in those two contests at Target Field, he went 3-for-7 (.429 BA) and scored a run.

At the Home Opener, I looked down from my outfield seats and took a picture of Ichiro. It was the last time I got to see him in person. He was masterful at the plate and he’s the type of player I will tell my child about when he is old enough.

Thanks for the memories. Enjoy your ride off into the sunset.

What was your favorite Ichiro memory? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.