Overview

• During his July 27 induction at Cooperstown, Ichiro Suzuki quipped that he had “never heard of the Marlins” when offered a contract in 2015.
• Samson said on July 29 that he initially bristled at the comment, joking that it triggered “a little PTSD” because the Marlins are often the butt of jokes.
• He highlighted the franchise’s two World Series titles and noted Ichiro’s .256 average over three seasons in Miami.
• Samson affirmed he held no hard feelings toward Suzuki and called the address one of the most viral and best Hall of Fame speeches he had ever heard.
• Baseball fans and insiders have praised the induction speech for its blend of wit and reflection on Suzuki’s career.