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Between Japan and the United States, Ichiro Suzuki was a professional baseball player for almost three decades. Widely regarded for his longevity, dependability and for being one of the best pure hitters of all time — Suzuki is a living baseball legend.
Suzuki spent most of his career playing with the Mariners. In his time in the Pacific Northwest, Suzuki became a Seattle sports icon and one of the best all-around superstars in MLB history. After playing his last few games in his native Japan, Suzuki’s storybook career ended roughly three years ago.
On Saturday evening, before a game against the Guardians, the Mariners paid tribute to Suzuki by inducting him into the team’s Hall of Fame. But that wasn’t all they did on “Ichiro Weekend.”
They had a custom-made ball with a special “Ichiro” icon:
Tonight’s game ball is a little extra special ⚾ #SeaUsRise pic.twitter.com/ivFVHjbAOu
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 28, 2022
They also filmed an awesome video where various other Seattle sports figures talked about Suzuki the player:
There will never be another Ichiro. #IchiroWeekend
もう2人目のイチローは現れない pic.twitter.com/IRQhZBIFJW
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 28, 2022
And when it came time for Suzuki to stand in front of a podium and say a few appreciative remarks about his new honor — the atmosphere in Seattle was positively electric:
"What's up, Seattle?!" pic.twitter.com/vYp3mVavVY
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 28, 2022
Wow. Listen to the roar of that crowd before Suzuki even has a chance to speak. What’s up, Seattle, indeed!
Some have surmised that Suzuki’s induction into the Mariners Hall of Fame is a likely precursor to a place in Cooperstown. He isn’t eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame until 2025. When talking about the story of baseball, you can’t tell it without Suzuki.
Let’s be candid: Suzuki is a lock.
Baseball fans loved seeing the legendary Suzuki's celebration in Seattle
Ichiro, what a legend. so cool✨ Congrats Ichiro✨💐 https://t.co/y1gRAeXMT4
— Mimako Ken (@Mimako_2018) August 28, 2022
The perfect man doesn't exi– https://t.co/nF1nkWQ5QR
— Infield Fly Girl (@infieldflygrl) August 28, 2022
The legend 🙌 https://t.co/s6z7kHjUNj
— Jesse Moeller (@JMoeller05) August 28, 2022
Thanks for the memories. https://t.co/qquT812PlJ
— Robin Dich (@RobinDich) August 28, 2022
What a special ceremony to witness. A true legend. Congrats, Ichiro! https://t.co/isbs3jmm2O
— Sarah Alamshaw (@sarahalamshaw) August 28, 2022
The man comes around. I saw his first game in Seattle! What a player. https://t.co/cWa36DPQss
— Gordon Heady (@GordonHeady) August 28, 2022
My hero forever, wonderful to watch and listen to Ichiro Suzuki speak during his acceptance into the team Hall of Fame. https://t.co/OWMhlYtMju
— ユウタ (@YuKersh) August 28, 2022
Legend. Congrats Ichiro! https://t.co/Y2PxATR2zF
— Christian Andes (@RealAvarice3) August 28, 2022
it was very very very cool to be here for Ichiro’s speech
you always heard he was a funny guy and he did not disappoint at all https://t.co/pC8UiH7RfM
— matt eppers (@meppers_) August 28, 2022
I had so, so much fun watching Ichiro over the years, including a few in-person games. Seeing him not just succeed, but also do things on the field I’d never seen before, made me incredibly happy. https://t.co/Spv8UQc4mW
— Philip Palermo (@Philip_Palermo) August 28, 2022
👏👏👏👏👏👏
Ichiro!Ichiro! https://t.co/nTm20UwAQX— Kozy (@c_koji) August 28, 2022
not a dry eye on my face https://t.co/WN9xj7lWs8
— vintown (@vintown) August 28, 2022