The Seattle Mariners today announced that Ichiro Suzuki will receive the Franchise Achievement Award in honor of his illustrious 19-year career in Major League Baseball.

The award, which recognizes significant contributions to the Seattle Mariners, will be presented to Ichiro during a pregame ceremony on Saturday, September 14, before the Mariners meet the Chicago White Sox. Game time is 6:10 p.m. The first 20,000 fans through the gates will receive an Ichiro Bobblehead, courtesy of ROOT SPORTS.

“Ichiro was a trailblazer when he arrived in 2001 and ushered in a new era for international players. Over his long playing career, he demonstrated daily the skill, passion and preparation that only the truly great have. We appreciate all that he has done for the Mariners, and for Major League Baseball,” said John Stanton, Seattle Mariners Chairman and Managing Partner.

Ichiro Celebration

In addition to the pregame presentation on Saturday, the Mariners will celebrate Ichiro’s contributions to the organization and the game of baseball during a special weekend at T-Mobile Park:

• Friday, September 13: Ichiro Fireworks Night – All fans are invited to stay after the game for a postgame fireworks show that will feature highlights of his career from his dazzling rookie/MVP season of 2001 through his emotional farewell at the Tokyo Dome.

• Saturday, September 14: Ichiro Bobblehead Night & Pregame Presentation – The first 20,000 fans will receive a limited edition bobblehead depicting Ichiro’s farewell cap tip to fans on March 21, his last game as a Mariners player. The pregame presentation of the Franchise Achievement Award will start at 5:45 p.m.

• Sunday, September 15: Ichiro Replica Jersey T-shirt – The first 15,000 fans through the gates will receive a replica jersey T-shirt with his iconic #51 on the back, courtesy of Sato Pharmaceutical.

Legendary Career

Ichiro began his Major League career with the Mariners, taking the American League by storm during his rookie year of 2001. He led the league in hits and stolen bases, won the A.L. batting title, a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger, and was named Rookie of the Year and MVP. The 2001 season marked Ichiro’s first of 10 consecutive seasons with at least 200 hits – a Major League record – including a single-season MLB record 262 hits in 2004.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Ichiro won 10 consecutive Gold Gloves, made 10 straight trips to the All-Star Game (and was named MVP in 2007 after going three-for-three with the first inside-the-park home run in All-Star Game history).

During the 14 years he spent with the Mariners, Ichiro racked up a number of club records including hits (2,542), batting (.321), at-bats (7,907), triples (79) and stolen bases (438). He also ranks second in games (1,861) and runs (1,181), is third in doubles (295) and total bases (3,292), fourth is extra-bases (473) and ranks fifth in RBI (633) and walks (517).

Although he arrived in Seattle in 2001 already a fully formed star in Japan, as the first position player to make the leap to Major League Baseball, many were doubtful he could succeed here. But by the time the Mariners left Peoria at the end of Spring Training, he had convinced his skeptics that he belonged. With his iconic batting stance, acrobatic leaps at the wall and laser beam throws from right field, Ichiro electrified fans with nightly displays of his baseball prowess. He won the adoration of fans and the respect of opponents across the league, and opened hearts and minds to the possibilities of players from around the globe.

In addition to his years in Seattle, Ichiro played for the New York Yankees (2012-2014) and Miami Marlins (2015-2017). He also played nine season with Orix of the Nippon Professional Baseball League (1992-2000), where he was a seven-time batting champion, All-Star and Gold Glove winner and three-time Pacific League MVP.

At the time of his retirement in March, Ichiro was MLB’s active hits leader and ranked 21st all-time in MLB history with 3,089 career hits. Combined with his years in Japan, he has 4,367 hits, an unmatched mark in professional baseball. 

About the Franchise Achievement Award

The award was created in 2016 to recognize significant contributions to the Seattle Mariners. The first recipients of the award were John Ellis and Howard Lincoln, who both hold the title of Chairman Emeritus. Ellis and Lincoln were recognized for their leadership in keeping Major League Baseball in Seattle and for their 24 years of service to the organization.