Ichiro Inducted Into Mariners Hall Of Fame
Japanese former Major League Baseball star, Suzuki Ichiro has been inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame.
An induction ceremony was held at the team's home field in Seattle on Saturday.
Ichiro joined the Mariners in 2001 to become the first Japanese non-pitcher to play in the Major Leagues.
He was selected for All-Star Games and reached 200 hits for 10 straight years until 2010. In 2004, he knocked 262 hits to set a MLB single-season record.
Ichiro was greeted with a big cheer and the Ichiro chant when he appeared in a suit. His wife Yumiko and former teammates were among the attendees.
Ichiro gave a speech in English, and excited the packed stadium by starting with the words "What's up, Seattle?"
He reflected on his career in his 17-minute speech peppered with jokes. He recalled he was first "shocked" when then Seattle Mariners manager Lou Piniella kissed him on the cheek.
Ichiro said even though he retired as an active player, baseball will forever be his soul. He said he still proudly wears the Mariners uniform.
He wrapped up the speech with a message to "the outstanding fans of Seattle." He said, "You cheered loudly for me as a new player that first game 21 years ago, and you never stopped. 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 the feeling. It is my greatest honor to have played for you as a Seattle Mariner."
Ichiro will become eligible for the US Hall of Fame in 2025, five years after his retirement. It is widely believed that he will be the first Japanese to win the honor.