Seattle Mariners pay ultimate respect to Ichiro Suzuki, as they did for Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, Jackie Robinson
The Seattle Mariners have retired jerseys of some legendary names to have played for them. Ichiro Suzuki's No. 51 jersey will be among them, joining Mariners legends Ken Griffey Jr. (No. 24), Edgar Martinez (No. 11) along with Jackie Robinson (No. 42).
After it was announced that Suzuki received 99.7% votes to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Tuesday, the Mariners took to social media and announced their retirement plans for Suzuki's jersey.
Suzuki's jersey will be retired on Aug. 9 during the "Ichiro Hall of Fame Weekend" from Aug. 8-10, when the team is scheduled to play a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
"Happiness and all the joy will probably come later," Suzuki said in a press conference Tuesday. "At that time, it was just a relief.”
Mariners release statement hailing Ichiro Suzuki and bestowing him with ultimate franchise honor
Seattle Mariners Chairman and Managing Partner John Stanton gave props to one of their legends, Ichiro Suzuki, following his Hall of Fame selection.
“For nearly a quarter of a century, Ichiro has been an integral part of the Seattle Mariners organization,” Stanton said. “And today’s announcement will assure that his number will be proudly displayed in T-Mobile Park forever as he aptly joins Ken and Edgar as Mariners in the Hall of Fame.
“Ichiro was a trailblazer when he arrived in 2001 and ushered in a new era for international players with his impact, and he demonstrated daily his love of the game, and the skill, passion and preparation that only the truly great have over his playing career. And Ichiro has continued to have an impactful role, both on and off the field, with our club since his retirement five years ago. He is most deserving of the ultimate honor the Mariners franchise can bestow.”
Suzuki's impact in the majors was undeniable. He paved the path for many Japanese players in the league, earning AL MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in the same year in 2001 with the Mariners.
The Mariners played an important role in his 19-season MLB career which saw him earning 10 Gold Glove Awards and 10 All-Star selections.