JUPITER, Fla. Ichiro Suzuki didnt watch American football when he was growing upin Japan. All he knew was baseball. He also knew the sacrifices he and other kids in Japan made to play baseball.

On Tuesday, when asked if he believesbaseball could see an increase in youth participation Ryan Yarbrough Jersey because of health concerns surrounding football,the 42-year-old Marlins outfielder spoke about what he had to give up during his younger days.

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To become a profe sional athlete Colin Poche Jersey , it takes a lot of sacrifice, Suzukitold Sporting Newsthrough an interpreter. Obviously you're talking about the football and the sacrifices they have to make,but for me, this might be hard to understand, but when athletes in Japanbecome profe sionals, they go into it knowing theyre going to have to sacrifice.

For example, you go into it knowing if something happens to your dad or momthat you wont be going to the funeral. You have a job to do and youve committed yourself. But also by doing Yonny Chirinos Jersey that and giving it your all, you give dreams and hope and excitement to the fans and kids who are watching.

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This spring, Suzuki has reflectedoften on his 15-year MLB career his 2,935 hits, his 10 Gold Gloves and his record for hits in a season. Being10 years older than the second-oldest player on the Miami roster, its an understatement to call Jesus Sucre Jersey him the club'selder statesman. He is signed through this season, and Miami holds a club option for 2017.

He has accepted a backup role for a franchisewhose staff is filled with former stars. Manager Don Mattingly, hitting coach Barry Bonds andspecial a sistants Andre Dawson and Tony Perez were all present for Tuesday's exhibition against the Mets. Suzuki started as the designated Joey Wendle Jersey hitterand went 1 for 3 with an RBI.

Suzuki said the clubhouse dynamic is still taking shape.

What you hear, who it comes from, makes a huge difference," he said. "When they say something, you know, hey, its coming from those guys. Theyve been there, done it.