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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Robert Zeglinski

Ichiro Suzuki’s induction into the Mariners’ Hall of Fame was a perfect celebration of the MLB legend

Ichiro Suzuki Mariners MLB Seattle Seattle Mariners Baseball

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:

They also filmed an awesome video where various other Seattle sports figures talked about Suzuki the player:

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:

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

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