TOKYO, Japan — Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki announced tonight that he has decided to retire from his active playing career, effective immediately. He made the announcement following game #2 of the Major League Baseball Japan Opening Series in Tokyo.
“I have achieved so many of my dreams in baseball,” Ichiro said, “both in my career in Japan and, since 2001, in Major League Baseball. I am honored to end my big league career where it started, with Seattle, and think it is fitting that my last games as a professional were played in my home country of Japan.