The first weekend of April was the start of the 2011 Major League Baseball season. The Oakland A's were hosting the Seattle Mariners for 3 games. Sunday, April 3rd was Japanese Heritage Day. It was a promotion to recognize the many Japanese people in the Bay Area, but also to welcome Hideki Matsui, former star player of the Tokyo Giants to the Oakland A's. And of course, whenever the Seattle Mariners come to town, that means a big crowd attends to see Ichiro Suzuki.
Of course, these plans were over shadowed by the earthquake and tsunami disaster that has affected areas of Japan. As a result, there were numerous corporations and groups raising money to aid the relief organizations in Japan. The Oakland A's also donated a portion of ticket sales to the cause. Overall, it was a beautiful spring day for a baseball game. And the home team won, too!
Ichiro hits a single!
Later in the game, Matsui hits a double!
After Ichiro ends the threat by throwing Matsui out at third base.
Ichiro jogs out to take his position in right field.
And then warming up by playing catch between innings.
