The reveal didn\u2019t quite go as planned, as Ichiro\u2019s bat was bent in an odd direction when a shroud was removed to reveal the statue, which occurred just a bit up the street from the statue of fellow Hall of Fame hitter Edgar Martinez. You can see it in the photo gallery at the top of this post.<\/p>\n
But fear not, as the initial bat problem was quickly remedied<\/a>, with the bat turned upright and reconnected at the handle to show Ichiro\u2019s iconic pose while awaiting an offering from an opposing pitcher.<\/p>\n Ichiro showed a sense of humor about the bent bat, jokingly blaming it on former Yankees star closer Mariano Rivera, who was famous for breaking bats with his cutter (a pitch that Ichiro memorably got the better of<\/a> one time in particular).<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t think Mariano would come out here,\u201d he said with a smile, \u201cand break the bat.\u201d<\/p>\n The way a jovial Ichiro saw it, his statue having an imperfection was only fitting.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the Hall of Fame, I was short one vote,\u201d he said. \u201cToday, the bat was broke. It kind of lets me know that I\u2019m still not there, that I still need to keep going. So, this is a good example of that.\u201d<\/p>\n The first 40,000 fans at the Mariners\u2019 game Friday night against Houston will receive a replica of the Ichiro statue, which allowed the Mariners the opportunity to have a laugh about the situation themselves.<\/p>\n Breaking: We\u2019ve updated tonight\u2019s Ichiro Replica Statue giveaway. pic.twitter.com\/EcFfkaAUd6<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) April 10, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n This isn\u2019t the first time a Mariners statue has had a bat-related problem. The statue of Ken Griffey Jr., which is situated on the corner of Edgar Martinez Drive and Dave Niehaus Way, once had its bat stolen in 2017<\/a>.<\/p>\n Speaking of Griffey, he was in attendance for the unveiling of Ichiro\u2019s statue, as was captured by Seattle Sports\u2019 Mike Lefko.<\/p>\n Griffey approved pic.twitter.com\/zNXq4Df0rr<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Mike Lefko (@MikeLefko) April 10, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Mariners Radio Network coverage<\/a> of Friday\u2019s game begins on Seattle Sports 710 AM and the Seattle Sports app with the pregame show at 5:30 p.m, with first pitch set for 6:40.<\/p>\n This post includes contributions from The Associated Press.<\/p>\n Seattle Mariners news and analysis<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0How this slow start by Mariners offense is different than others<\/a>
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\u2022\u00a0Bowden: Why M\u2019s shouldn\u2019t consider trading a starting pitcher<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0Brendan Donovan working through \u2018growing pains\u2019 at 3B<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0Seattle Mariners, KING 5 announce TV affiliates for 10 broadcasts<\/a><\/p>\n
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