If it was his final at bat at Safeco Field, Ichiro Suzuki made the most of it. The Miami outfielder hit a solo shot home run in the top of the 9th Wednesday in the Marlin’s 10-to-5 loss to the Seattle Mariners.
It was a fitting goodbye for Suzuki, who played for the Mariners from 2001-2012 before being traded to the New York Yankees. According to MLB.com the last time Ichiro hit a home run at Safeco Field was April 18, 2012.
Will Ichiro return to Safeco Field?
A fan holds a sign that reads “Welcome back! Ichiro” as Miami Marlins’ Ichiro Suzuki takes batting practice before a baseball game against his former team, the Seattle Mariners, Monday, April 17, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
The 43-year-old Suzuki has said he wants to play until he’s 50, but came into the 3-game series with Seattle struggling, hitting just .083. He is no longer a starter, but did hit .291 and played in 143 games for Miami last season after the Marlin’s suffered injuries to their starting outfield.
Miami Marlins’ Ichiro Suzuki, fourth from left, is honored by Seattle Mariners players and executives for his 3,000 hit milestone in a pre-game ceremony before a baseball game against the Mariners, his former team, Monday, April 17, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
The former MVP and Rookie of the year (both in 2001) was celebrated by the Seattle fans and the Mariners organization throughout the series. He was honored with plaques commemorating him joining the 3-thousand hit club on Monday. Wednesday, the first 20-thousand fans at the ballpark yesterday fans received a Ichiro double bobble-head.
A broadcaster displays miniature bobblehead dolls in the likeness of Miami Marlins’ Ichiro Suzuki, a former Seattle Mariners outfielder, that were given to fans as a promotion before a baseball game between the teams Wednesday, April 19, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
According to MLB.com, Ichiro was asked if this was his last time at Safeco Field. He responded through his interpreter, “I think I’ll be back. I hope to be back.”
(KPUG – Doug Lange; Information from MLB.com used in this story)
