Ichiro Suzuki may have carved his own legacy as a master of singles, but it was his Hall of Fame induction speech that hit a grand slam this past Sunday. In a moment that had the Cooperstown crowd roaring, Suzuki humorously addressed his time with the Miami Marlins, the team that signed him in 2015.
With a twinkle in his eye, he quipped, “And to the Miami Marlins: I appreciate David Samson and Mike Hill for coming today. Honestly, when you guys called to offer me a contract for 2015, I had never heard of your team.” The laughter that followed encapsulated his easy charm and highlighted the camaraderie he shares with fans and fellow players alike.
For those who may not know, his speech was particularly noteworthy as it marked a significant moment for Suzuki, who was nearly a unanimous selection for the Hall of Fame. Delivering his address in English—with a playful and engaging style—was no small feat for the Japanese superstar, who has limited experience speaking the language publicly.
While Suzuki directed some lighthearted humor at the Marlins, he also took a moment to reflect on his tenure with the New York Yankees, where he played from 2012 to 2014. He recognized that while many fans were present to support CC Sabathia, another Yankee great, he teased his former teammates by stating, “I know you guys are really here today for CC, but that’s okay. He deserves your love.” This gesture reflects Suzuki’s respect and affection for his peers, reminding us of the bonds formed in the sport.
During his time with the Yankees, Suzuki might not have been the AL MVP candidate he once was with the Seattle Mariners, but he still showcased impressive talent. In 2012, he batted .322 after being traded to the Yankees, contributing to a squad that won 95 games that season. Unfortunately, they fell short in the American League Championship Series, where they were swept by the Tigers, a series marked by the tragic ankle injury of Derek Jeter in Game 1.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Suzuki played 19 years in Major League Baseball, not even counting the nine seasons he dazzled on the diamond in Japan with the Orix BlueWave. His journey through the baseball world is nothing short of inspirational, illustrating not just talent but an enduring love for the game and its community. As fans fondly remember his incredible career, Suzuki’s Hall of Fame speech serves as a poignant reminder of the joy and connection that baseball brings.
