On a sun-drenched Saturday at T-Mobile Park, Seattle Mariners fans packed the stands and filled the air with roaring chants of "Ich-i-ro! Ich-i-ro!" as the franchise paid tribute to one of its most iconic legends. August 9, 2025, will be remembered not just for the Mariners’ 7-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, but as the day Ichiro Suzuki’s legendary No. 51 jersey was officially retired, forever cementing his place among baseball’s immortals.
The pregame ceremony, attended by a sold-out crowd, was a celebration of Suzuki’s extraordinary career and his profound impact on both the Mariners and Major League Baseball. Team officials, former teammates, and club legends—including Edgar Martinez, Ken Griffey Jr., Jay Buhner, Dan Wilson, and Randy Johnson—gathered to honor the Hall of Famer. The event was as much a reunion as it was a tribute, with the Mariners family coming together to salute a player whose influence transcended the diamond.
Ichiro, now 51, strode onto the field dressed in a sharp dark suit, greeted by thunderous applause. Taking the microphone, he addressed the crowd in both English and Japanese, a nod to his international legacy. "I’m so grateful to receive this highest honor," Ichiro told the fans, his voice steady but full of emotion. For nearly 20 minutes, Ichiro reflected on his journey, expressing deep gratitude to the city of Seattle, the Mariners organization, and the fans who supported him throughout his career.
One of the most touching moments came as Ichiro addressed Randy Johnson, the Mariners’ original No. 51, who watched from the Mariners Hall of Fame section. "When you said 51 in Seattle, you knew it meant Randy Johnson for his many great achievements from 1989 to 1998 in that uniform," Ichiro said. "When I came here in 2001, I could never have worn that number without Randy’s consent. He gave it and he gave it graciously." Johnson’s gesture not only allowed Ichiro to continue his storied career in his preferred number but also forged a unique bond between two of the franchise’s all-time greats.
The Mariners announced plans to retire Johnson’s No. 51 as well during the 2026 season, marking a rare and special occurrence in MLB history: the same number retired for two different players by one team. It’s a testament to the impact both men have had on the club and the sport at large.
As the ceremony continued, team officials revealed another major honor in store for Ichiro—a life-size statue depicting his signature batting stance will be installed outside T-Mobile Park in 2026. The statue will serve as a permanent reminder of Ichiro’s artistry at the plate and his indelible mark on Seattle sports culture.
Ichiro’s career with the Mariners is nothing short of remarkable. He played 14 seasons in Seattle, including a decade-long stint from 2001 to 2011 and a return for the 2018 and 2019 seasons to cap off his MLB journey. Over 1,861 games and 7,907 at bats, Ichiro amassed 2,542 hits, 99 home runs, 633 runs batted in, and 1,181 runs scored. He also tallied 295 doubles, 79 triples, and 438 stolen bases, boasting a .321 batting average, .365 on-base percentage, and .416 slugging percentage. His 517 walks, 3,292 total bases, 28 sacrifice bunts, and 37 sacrifice flies further underscore his well-rounded excellence.
Statistically, Ichiro sits atop the Mariners’ all-time leaderboards in batting average, hits, triples, and stolen bases. He holds the single-season franchise records for batting average (.372 in 2004), hits (262 in 2004), and triples (12 in 2005). His ability to consistently deliver, year after year, set a standard that few have matched.
From 2001 to 2010, Ichiro was a fixture in the American League All-Star lineup, earning 10 consecutive selections. He led the AL in hits seven times and topped all of Major League Baseball in stolen bases with 56 in 2001. He also claimed the AL batting title with a .350 average in his rookie year and led the majors with a .374 average as recently as 2024. His accolades include 10 Gold Glove Awards, the 2001 American League MVP, and Rookie of the Year honors—a feat rarely seen in the sport’s history.
Ichiro’s impact extended beyond the stat sheet. As one of the most decorated international players in MLB history, he inspired a generation of athletes from around the world, particularly in his native Japan. His induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown just weeks before the jersey retirement ceremony—alongside greats like CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner, Dave Parker, and Dick Allen—was a fitting recognition of his global influence.
During his speech, Ichiro made it clear where his heart remains. "Seattle is home," he declared. "And this number, 51, is part of that story forever." The crowd responded with another wave of applause, a shared acknowledgment of the bond between the city and its baseball hero.
As the Mariners honored their past, their present roster gave fans even more reason to cheer. The team is in the midst of a hot streak, having won nine of their last ten games and seven straight, sweeping the Chicago White Sox and the Rays to surge into contention for the American League West Division title. With a record of 66-53, Seattle sits just half a game behind the Houston Astros for first place. Center fielder Julio Rodriguez electrified the crowd with two home runs during the win over Tampa Bay, while catcher Cal Raleigh launched his 44th home run of the season—an MLB-leading mark that has fans buzzing about the team’s postseason prospects.
As for the Mariners’ pantheon, Ichiro joins Ken Griffey Jr. (No. 24) and Edgar Martinez (No. 11) as the only players in franchise history to have their numbers retired. Jackie Robinson’s No. 42, of course, is retired across all of Major League Baseball, a constant reminder of the sport’s legacy of breaking barriers.
The jersey retirement ceremony wasn’t just a look back—it was a bridge between generations. From the legends in attendance to the current stars on the field, the Mariners community celebrated a player whose humility, work ethic, and dazzling skills brought joy to millions. With a statue on the way and another No. 51 set to be honored soon, the Mariners are making sure Ichiro Suzuki’s story—and the spirit of excellence he represents—will inspire fans for years to come.
As the sun set on T-Mobile Park, the Mariners faithful left with memories of a heartfelt tribute and the hope of more magic to come. Ichiro’s No. 51 now hangs high, a symbol of greatness, gratitude, and the enduring connection between a city and its star.
