“Who the f*** is Tom Brady?” Ichiro Suzuki and NFL legend’s first interaction once got twisted due to Alex Rodriguez’s unintentional intervention in 2017

A-Rod once unknowingly complicated Ichiro Suzuki and Tom Brady’s first interaction via text, as MLB legend failed to recognize NFL great.

“Who the f*** is Tom Brady?” Ichiro Suzuki and NFL legend’s first interaction once got twisted due to Alex Rodriguez’s unintentional intervention in 2017

Tom Brady, Ichiro Suzuki, Alex Rodriguez [Image Credit: US Weekly, Imago]

Baseball great Ichiro Suzuki once failed to recognize who NFL legend Tom Brady was in 2017. The incident happened after Alex Rodriguez shared the Japanese icon’s number with Brady as he wished to meet and study his stretching system. 

Ichiro’s workout and stretching contraption was developed for the player himself in Japan and he carried out his routine rigorously. His discipline became a part of sports lore and it may have reached Brady’s ears. During 2017 spring training, Ichiro asked his coaches in the locker room about some guy who texted him out of nowhere. 

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Ichiro said he did not recognize the number, but it was from someone who got his details from A-Rod. Furthermore, the unknown guy wanted to meet and learn his stretching system, which seemed odd for the sports star. Ichiro apparently had to scroll to the bottom of the text to know “the guy’s name.” He said,

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Some guy named Tom Brady. Who the f*** is Tom Brady?
Ichiro Suzuki as per The Athletic.

It seemed Brady did not enter his knowledge circle despite Ichiro Suzuki being a baseball genius. Nevertheless, it did not take time for him to put the name of the unknown texter’s number.

Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez praise Ichiro Suzuki for his extraordinary career in baseball

MLB greats Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez recalled the times they spent with Ichiro Suzuki and how the Japanese genius left a strong impression on them. Bonds spoke about his work ethic saying, “He’s unlike anyone who ever played…No one else could do what he does.”

Ichiro Suzuki [Image Credit- Sports Illustrated]
Ichiro Suzuki [Image Credit- Sports Illustrated]

He further talked about his approach, strength, and posture and how his exercise always kept him battle-ready. A-Rod on the other hand, complimented Ichiro’s speed saying that it was “stressful” to “play shortstop against him” as one had only a nanosecond to catch and throw in motion “otherwise he’d be safe,” as per Japan Times.

Giancarlo Stanton also praised Ichiro saying he’d always go practice tosses and observe him play. “…he is always prepared,” Stanton noted. He recalled how Ichiro always did his warmups whether he went on the field to play or not, “He’s incredible,” the former NY outfielder noted.

Ichiro Suzuki remains a fan favorite even now. He hung his jersey in 2019 and is one of the top players set to debut on the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot. His legacy left a deep mark in today’s baseball field and he’ll forever be remembered as one of the most iconic MLB players.

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