Releasing exclusively in-store and online this Friday, August 4 at 11am HST.
Aloha kākou!
This FITTED Friday's release we're recognizing a star from the land of the rising sun. Notorious for his electrifying speed, swiftly precise throws, and with his infamous pose of staring down the pitcher as if he was prepping to draw back a bow while slightly lifting his right sleeve, we recognize none other than Ichiro Suzuki.
A native of Toyoyama, a small town outside the city of Nagoya, Ichiro showed promise of the sport at an early age. He began his Nippon Professional Baseball career with the Orix BlueWave in 1992. The following year during the off-season Ichiro made his way to the islands playing in the Hawaiʻi Winter Baseball League. Stars from MLB, NPB, Korea Baseball Organization, and other independent leagues gave Hawaiʻi baseball fans a sight to see. During Ichiro's time in the HWB league, according to one of his baseball cards, Ichiro had hit a 500-foot homerun dubbed the "Shinkansen Homer." Whether the legend is true or not he continued to show tremendous promise of being an elite player which in turn led him to become the MVP of the HWB league. Despite a short period time in Hawaiʻi, playing baseball in the islands provided Ichiro with a unique experience that bridged cultures and united fans from diverse backgrounds.The sport, often associated with mainland America, found a new dimension on the Hawaiian diamond. In 2001 he got picked up by the Seattle Mariners where he would continue to put on a show for all lovers of the sport. He would then continue his illustrious career leaving an impact on the game of baseball.
Our Seattle Mariners cap is infused with Hawaiʻi Winter Baseball League's Hilo Stars colorway, similar to his cap pictured in his 1993 baseball card. Cap panels and visor are wrapped in bold red while undervisor is in royal blue. The side patch consists of the 2001 All-Star Game (the game also being held in Seattle) and embroidered in Hilo Stars colors with a touch of metallic silver. All around a quite fitting cap for the previous Hilo "All-Star" and future Hall of Famer.
