Ichiro Suzuki received quite a welcome from the Seattle fans ahead of the Mariners’ season opener on Thursday.
Suzuki, who began his MLB career with the Mariners in 2001 and remained with the team until being traded in 2012, is now back in Seattle. Prior to the game, he received a red carpet introduction at Safeco Field, which led to huge cheers from the fans.
The Safeco Field crowd is pleased that Ichiro is back. #Mariners pic.twitter.com/3OXsHrH7dK
— Paul Barrett (@paulbarrett6) March 30, 2018
Ichiro started in left field and was batting ninth for the opener.
During his first stint in Seattle, Ichiro made the All-Star team every season from 2001-2010. He led the league in hits seven times, stolen bases once, won two batting crowns, and took home both AL Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in 2001. He also won a Gold Glove every season from 2001-2010 for good measure.
Now 44, Suzuki is still keeping his baseball career going and was even considering a return to Japan if the Mariners or another MLB team hadn’t stepped up.
