The Yankees arrived in Seattle on July 22, 2012, following a tough game at the Oakland Coliseum. Ichiro Suzuki was about to join their roster, moving his belongings from the home clubhouse at Safeco Field to the visitors’ side.
This trade marked an end to Ichiro’s time with the Mariners as Seattle was focusing on rebuilding. Ichiro had been seeking a new opportunity, hoping for a World Series win.
While he did not achieve this goal in New York, his time there remains notable. He came close to matching Mariano Rivera as a unanimous inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
“As a baseball player, this is the highest honor that you can achieve,” Ichiro stated through an interpreter. “As a baseball player, this is definitely the top of the top.”
Ichiro shares his Hall of Fame class with CC Sabathia. They both entered Major League Baseball in 2001 when Ichiro excelled with a .350 batting average and won both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors.
Sabathia humorously recalls how Ichiro “stole” his Rookie of the Year award but cherishes being teammates both in New York and now in Cooperstown.
Joe Girardi, who managed Ichiro during his Yankees tenure from 2012-14, remembered hearing doubts about Ichiro’s potential back in Spring Training 2001. However, by retirement in 2019 at age 45, Ichiro had accumulated impressive stats: 4,367 hits combined from Japan and MLB play.
With the Yankees from 2012-14, he played 360 games achieving a .281/.314/.364 batting line with numerous other accomplishments including stolen bases and homers.
“He was just an incredible player,” said Girardi. “He kept in fantastic shape… Just great to be around.”
Ichiro’s time with Derek Jeter fostered mutual respect between them. Jeter once remarked on Ichiro’s consistency being underrated yet vital throughout his career.
During nine postseason games with New York including one memorable playoff homer against Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium ALCS Game One (2012), he left lasting memories despite not winning it all then either!
After leaving New York playing stints followed briefly Miami Marlins (2015-17) before returning hometown Seattle Mariners participating actively today coaching roles still contributing significantly even aged over fifty years old himself! “I’m still trying hang there,” said proudly showing determination inspiring others around him alike!
