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3w ago

Mariners Retire Ichiro Suzuki’s No. 51 and Mock Lone Hall Voter Ahead of 2026 Statue

A reserved seat ridiculing the sole ballot non-supporter punctuated Suzuki’s jersey retirement, with plans unveiled for a statue outside T-Mobile Park in 2026

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Rays manager Kevin Cash comes out to take starting pitcher Joe Boyle (36) out of the game against the Mariners as catcher Hunter Feduccia looks on during the fourth inning Saturday in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Former Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki speaks during his jersey retirement ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.

Overview

  • On August 9, the Seattle Mariners formally retired Ichiro Suzuki’s No. 51 in a pregame ceremony at T-Mobile Park, making him the third player to receive that honor after Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez.
  • The club playfully spotlighted the lone BBWAA member who did not vote for Suzuki by reserving a premium seat for that voter in deep center field, drawing cheers from the crowd.
  • Chairman John Stanton announced the commissioning of a life-size statue depicting Suzuki’s iconic batting stance, scheduled for installation at the ballpark at the start of the 2026 season.
  • Suzuki, enshrined in Cooperstown on July 27 with 99.7% of the vote as the first Japanese-born Hall of Famer, thanked fans and reflected on his pride in being a Mariner during his remarks.
  • Across a 19-year MLB career and nine seasons in Japan, Suzuki amassed 3,089 major-league hits (4,367 total professional) while earning 10 All-Star selections, 10 Gold Gloves and two batting titles.