“The Legend of No. 51”: Ichiro Suzuki introduced into Mariners’ Hall of Fame like an iconic rock star
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Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro Suzuki introduced himself into the Seattle Mariners’ Hall of Fame with style, starting off with an emotional 16-minute message for the fans. “What’s up, Seattle?!” Ichiro shouted which was responded by a loud roar from the audience.
Ichiro Suzuki played parts of 14 seasons for the Mariners before his dramatic retirement at age 45 in Tokyo three years ago. The beautiful ceremony also included video messages from several baseball stars including Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Albert Pujols and Daisuke Matsuzaka.
“Even though I retired as an active player, baseball and Seattle have never left my heart,” Ichiro Suzuki said. “Baseball will forever be my soul, and my mission is to keep helping both players and fans appreciate this special game.”
“There was never a point in my career that I could have said that this was going to happen, so I’m definitely grateful,” Ichiro said on Friday through interpreter Allen Turner.
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Ichiro Suzuki delivers an emotional message in-front of his idol Ken Griffey Jr.
Ichiro Suzuki was the first Mariner to be added into the Hall of Fame after 2015, Suzuki became the 10th member of Seattle’s Hall of Fame, joining former teammates Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, Jamie Moyer, Jay Buhner and Dan Wilson who had previously been honored by the club. All but Buhner were in attendance.
“You cheered loudly for me as a new player that first game 21 years ago — and you never stopped,” Ichiro Suzuki said, becoming emotional. “When I returned in 2018, it was as if I never left. The passion with which you welcomed me back touched my heart. It is one of the best memories of my career, and I will never forget that feeling. It is my greatest honor to have played for you as a Seattle Mariner.”
Ichiro Suzuki addressed the current team as well, “Your future has possibilities that you cannot imagine, So, embrace it by giving your best without imposing limits on yourself. If a skinny guy from Japan can compete in this uniform, and then stand before you tonight to accept this honor, then there is no reason you cannot do it either.”
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Yagya Bhargava
(611 Articles Published)