We all knew it was coming, but not this soon.
Baseball legend Ichiro Suzuki has informed the Mariners he will retire after Thursday’s game against the Athletics in Tokyo, Kyodo News reported.
Ichiro, 45, has been showered with adoration during Seattle’s two-game opening series in Japan as he closed the door on one of the greatest careers in baseball history.
Yeah, Ichiro's pretty popular. #MLB開幕戦 pic.twitter.com/dMRxeLxkdq
— MLB (@MLB) March 21, 2019
In what was believed to be his final at-bat of his career, Ichiro struck out looking for the first out in the top of the seventh inning. However, Seattle sent five batters to the plate after Ichiro to ensure he got another chance with the bat in his hands.
Not the way he wanted it. But if this is the last at-bat of Ichiro’s career, he can reflect on the other 3,089. #Ichiro pic.twitter.com/x9dvrVJAB9
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) March 21, 2019
Suzuki — who was the AL MVP and Rookie of the Year for the Mariners in 2001 — has played 14 of his 18-plus MLB seasons in Seattle. Prior to Thursday’s game, Ichiro had 3,089 hits in MLB (23rd all-time) and 1,278 in Japan. His combined total of 4,367 is a world professional record.