Japanese Marketing Giant Ichiro Largely Shuns U.S. Deals
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Ichiro Keeps Focus On Field Of Play
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L.A.-based Sports Placement Service President Harlan Werner, who has worked with Mariners CF Ichiro Suzuki’s agent, Tony Attanasio, estimated Ichiro has “given up $50[M]" in marketing deals, according to Bill Virgin of the SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER. Werner indicated that one reason for that is Ichiro has had “baseball as his primary focus.” Werner: "If Ichiro wants to do a deal [in the U.S.], he can command a contract that is megastar status.” Virgin writes Ichiro “has done very little either locally or on the [U.S. marketing] scene.” He does appear on the Mizuno Web site, and in Japan, he has pitched for Sato Pharmaceuticals’ Yunker energy drink, brokerage firm Nikko Cordial and Starbucks. Sports Business Group President David Carter added that Ichiro's “marketing positives include steady performance year after year, a record free of controversy or trouble, and international appeal.” Carter: “Guys like that are rare. His opportunities transcend borders.”
BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY? Virgin writes, "That Ichiro, even in Seattle, has passed up lots of marketing opportunities renders largely moot the issue of whether he might have more value to a marketer off the field in some other, larger media market such as Boston, [N.Y.] or [L.A.], or whether that might influence his decision about signing another contract with the Mariners.” Ichiro's contract with the Mariners expires this year. Werner: “People here don't fully understand the value of his time. If it doesn't fit into his game plan, or if it's going to be a distraction, he doesn't want to be a part of it” (SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER, 6/8).
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