SEATTLE — In a tribute to the legendary Seattle Mariners player Ichiro Suzuki, Mayor Bruce Harrell has declared August 9 as “Ichiro Day” in Seattle.

This proclamation coincides with Suzuki’s induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the retirement of his jersey number.

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“Today, Seattle honors Ichiro Suzuki, a global icon whose inspirational career and unparalleled achievements broke barriers and have left an indelible mark on the sport of baseball and our city,” said Mayor Harrell. “His legacy of excellence, grace, and determination continues to inspire fans while showcasing the unifying power of sports across generations and cultures. By proclaiming today as Ichiro Day, we celebrate not only his historic Hall of Fame induction but also his enduring role as a cultural bridge and cherished member of our community.”

Councilmember Rob Saka added, “Ichiro isn’t just a city of Seattle legend—he’s a global icon whose disciplined approach, tireless work ethic, and relentless pursuit of excellence has and continues to inspire generations. Ichiro proved that greatness isn’t born, it’s built—through consistency, humility, meticulous routines and mental focus, and the mindset of a lifelong learner. We are proud to call Ichiro our hometown hero!”

Ichiro Suzuki’s illustrious career began with the Orix BlueWave in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, where he earned seven consecutive batting titles and three league MVPs. In 2001, he made history by becoming the first Japanese-born position player to play in Major League Baseball, signing with the Seattle Mariners. He immediately captured global attention by winning both the American League Rookie of the Year and MVP awards.

Over his storied MLB career, Suzuki achieved 10 consecutive 200-hit seasons, 10 Gold Glove Awards, 10 All-Star selections, over 3,000 MLB hits, and set a single-season hits record of 262. His combined hit total of 4,367 across his Japanese and MLB careers makes him the all-time professional baseball hit leader.

In 2025, Suzuki was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame with 99.7% of the vote, becoming the first Japanese-born player ever inducted. He was also enshrined in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame the same year.

The City of Seattle recognizes Ichiro Suzuki not only as one of the greatest baseball players of all time but also as a cultural ambassador and cherished member of the community.

The full proclamation reads:

WHEREAS, Ichiro Suzuki is a transcendent figure in the history of baseball and one of the most iconic and influential athletes of his generation, bringing global acclaim to the sport and creating lasting memories for Seattle sports fans by redefining excellence, consistency, and dedication on the field; and

WHEREAS, Ichiro Suzuki began his professional career with the Orix BlueWave in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, where he earned seven consecutive batting titles, three league MVPs, and became the first Japanese player to reach 200 hits in a season – achievements that helped build a bridge between Japanese and American baseball; and

WHEREAS, in 2001, Ichiro Suzuki made history by becoming the first Japanese-born position player to play in Major League Baseball, signing with the Seattle Mariners and immediately capturing global attention by winning both the American League Rookie of the Year and MVP awards – a rare and historic feat that energized fans across the world; and

WHEREAS, over a storied MLB career that included 10 consecutive 200-hit seasons, 10 Gold Glove Awards, 10 All-Star selections, over 3,000 MLB hits, and a single-season hits record of 262, Ichiro Suzuki became known for his unmatched precision at the plate, speed on the bases, and defensive brilliance in the outfield; and

WHEREAS, Ichiro Suzuki’s combined hit total of 4,367 across his Japanese and MLB careers makes him the all-time professional baseball hit leader, a remarkable testament to his durability, preparation, and commitment to his craft – inspiring generations of athletes around the world; and

WHEREAS, Ichiro Suzuki was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025 with 99.7% of the vote, becoming the first Japanese-born player ever inducted, while also being enshrined in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame the same year – solidifying his legacy as a truly international icon of the game; and

WHEREAS, Ichiro Suzuki has remained a proud ambassador for Seattle and the Mariners – mentoring young players, continuing to train and serve the organization, and contributing to civic pride and global visibility for our city through his humility, professionalism, and character; and

WHEREAS, the City of Seattle recognizes Ichiro Suzuki not only as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, but as a cultural ambassador, global trailblazer, and cherished member of our community – exemplifying our One Seattle vision for an equitable, thriving, and innovative city for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BRUCE A. HARRELL, MAYOR OF SEATTLE, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AUGUST 9, 2025 TO BE

Ichiro Suzuki Day