Ichiro Suzuki’s career is unparalleled — over 28 professional seasons across 2 leagues and parts of 3 decades, he totaled 4,367 hits: 3,089 hits over 19 years in the Major Leagues and 1,278 hits during a 9-year career in Japan’s Pacific League. In the Majors, he was an MVP, Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove Award winner, All-Star and batting champion.
On Thursday night in Tokyo following the finale of the Japan Opening Series, Ichiro announced his retirement, closing the chapter on a Hall of Fame career in fitting symmetry. He played his final game with the Mariners — where he rose to stardom in the United States — in his native Japan, where his career began with the Orix Blue Wave on July 11, 1992 at Heiwadai Stadium.