Ichiro: Yu Showed “Pride,” “Good Mentality” In Debut

The Seattle Mariners’ Ichiro Suzuki opted against discussing Yu Darvish’s stuff following Darvish’s MLB debut on Monday evening, an 11-5 Rangers win, but did offer some kudos for his countryman’s poise on (and exiting) the field.

"My impression was good, not his pitching but just in general after he was taken out of the game, you saw the crowd did a standing ovation and he didn't tip his cap," Suzuki said, per the Dallas Morning News. "He wasn't very happy or satisfied with his pitching, and that shows pride. That's a good mentality, that's what I liked about him."

Of course, in the States, it is somewhat customary for a pitcher to tip his cap to the crowd when receiving a standing ovation. Darvish said he wasn’t aware of this, though he appreciated the love from the Ballpark faithful.

"I guess we'll tell him," Rangers’ catcher Mike Napoli joked afterward.