Ichiro Suzuki facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ichiro Suzuki
Suzuki with the Seattle Mariners in 2011
Right fielder
Born: (1973-10-22) October 22, 1973 (age 51) Nishikasugai-gun, Aichi, Japan
Batted: Left Threw: Right
Professional debut
NPB: July 11, 1992, for the Orix BlueWave
MLB: April 2, 2001, for the Seattle Mariners
Last appearance
NPB: October 13, 2000, for the Orix BlueWave
MLB: March 21, 2019, for the Seattle Mariners
NPB statistics
Batting average	.353
Hits	1,278
Home runs	118
Runs batted in	529
Stolen bases	199
MLB statistics
Batting average	.311
Hits	3,089
Home runs	117
Runs batted in	780
Stolen bases	509
Teams
Orix BlueWave (1992–2000) Seattle Mariners (2001–2012) New York Yankees (2012–2014) Miami Marlins (2015–2017) Seattle Mariners (2018–2019)
Career highlights and awards
NPB 7× All-Star (1994–2000) Japan Series champion (1996) 3× Pacific League MVP (1994–1996) 7× Golden Glove Award (1994–2000) 7× Best Nine Award (1994–2000) 2× Matsutaro Shoriki Award (1994, 1995) 7× Pacific League batting champion (1994–2000) Pacific League RBI leader (1995) Pacific League stolen base leader (1995) Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame MLB 10× All-Star (2001–2010) AL MVP (2001) AL Rookie of the Year (2001) 10× Gold Glove Award (2001–2010) 3× Silver Slugger Award (2001, 2007, 2009) 2× AL batting champion (2001, 2004) AL stolen base leader (2001) MLB record 262 hits, single season Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame
Baseball Hall of Fame
Induction	2025
Vote	99.7% (first ballot)
Medals Men's baseball Representing JPN World Baseball Classic Gold 2006 San Diego Team Gold 2009 Los Angeles Team

Ichiro Suzuki /ˈiːtʃɪroʊ suːˈzuːki/ (鈴木 一朗, Suzuki Ichirō, born 22 October 1973), often called Ichiro (イチロー, Ichirō), is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder. He played for 28 seasons in total. He spent nine years with the Orix BlueWave in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Then, he played 12 years with the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball (MLB). After that, he joined the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins before returning to the Mariners for his last two seasons. Ichiro helped the Japanese national team win two World Baseball Classic titles. Since 2019, he has been a special assistant to the Mariners' chairman. Many consider him one of the best contact hitters, leadoff hitters, and defensive outfielders in baseball history.

Throughout his career in both NPB and MLB, Ichiro was chosen as an All-Star and won a Gold Glove award 17 times in a row. He also won nine league batting titles and was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) four times. In 2025, he was voted into the Hall of Fame on his first try, missing a unanimous vote by just one. In Japan, he won seven batting titles in a row and three Pacific League MVP Awards. In 2001, Ichiro was the first Japanese position player to join an MLB team through the posting system. He led the American League (AL) in batting average and stolen bases. He was named AL Rookie of the Year and AL MVP that same year.

Ichiro was the first MLB player to join the Meikyukai (The Golden Players Club). He was a MLB All-Star ten times. In 2007, he won the All-Star Game MVP Award. He hit three times in that game, including the first-ever inside-the-park home run in an All-Star Game. Ichiro won a Rawlings Gold Glove Award in each of his first 10 years in MLB. He also set an American League record with seven hitting streaks of 20 or more games. His longest streak was 27 games. He was known for playing well for a long time, even hitting above .300 when he was almost 43 years old. Ichiro set many batting records, including the MLB single-season record for hits with 262. He had 10 seasons in a row with 200 or more hits, which is the longest streak ever. In 2016, Ichiro got his 3,000th hit in MLB, becoming only the 30th player to do so. He finished his professional career with 4,367 hits in Japan and the U.S. This is the most hits by any player in top-level baseball history. In 2025, Ichiro was voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on his first try. He was the first Japanese player to be elected, getting 99.7% of the votes. This tied him with Derek Jeter for the second-highest vote total ever. That same year, Ichiro was also elected to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Baseball Dreams

Ichiro grew up in Toyoyama, a small town near Nagoya. When he was seven, he joined his first baseball team. He asked his father, Nobuyuki Suzuki, to help him become a better player. They started a daily practice routine. This included throwing 50 pitches, fielding 50 ground balls and 50 fly balls. He also hit 500 pitches, some from a machine and some from his father.

As a young player, Ichiro had the word "concentration" (集中, shūchū) written on his glove. By age 12, he was serious about becoming a professional baseball player. His training sessions became more intense. When he joined his high school team, his father told the coach not to praise him. He wanted Ichiro to become mentally strong.

Ichiro went to Nagoya's Aikodai Meiden High School, known for its baseball program. He mostly played as a pitcher because of his strong arm. He had a .505 batting average and hit 19 home runs in high school. He built strength by doing unusual exercises, like throwing car tires. These exercises helped his wrists and hips, giving him power and endurance. Even with his great high school stats, many teams thought he was too small. He was 5 ft 9+1⁄2 in (177 cm) and 124 pounds (56 kg). He was not drafted until the fourth round of the NPB draft in 1991. Years later, Ichiro said he hoped kids would see him as a regular guy. He wanted them to know that even without a huge body, you can still break records.

Professional Baseball Journey

Playing in Japan: Orix BlueWave (1992–2000)

Ichiro Suzuki started his professional career in Japan in 1992. He was 18 and played for the Orix BlueWave in the Pacific League. For his first two seasons, he mostly played in the minor league system. His manager at the time, Shōzō Doi, did not like Ichiro's unique batting swing. This swing was called 'pendulum' (振り子打法, Furiko Dahō). It involved a pendulum-like leg motion that shifted his weight.

In 1994, a new manager, Akira Ōgi, arrived. He let Ichiro play every day. Ichiro quickly became a star. He set a Japanese record with 210 hits in one season. He was the first player to get over 200 hits in Japan. His .385 batting average in 1994 was also a Pacific League record. He won the first of seven straight batting titles. He also hit 13 home runs and stole 29 stolen bases. He earned his first of three straight Pacific League MVP awards.

During the 1994 season, he started using "Ichiro" on his uniform instead of his family name, "Suzuki." Suzuki is a very common last name in Japan. The team wanted to make him stand out. At first, Ichiro didn't like it, but "Ichiro" soon became famous.

In 1995, Ichiro helped the Blue Wave win their first Pacific League championship in 12 years. He won his second batting title and led the league in RBIs and stolen bases. The Japanese media started calling him the "Hit Manufacturing Machine" (安打製造機, Anda Seizōki). The next year, with Ichiro winning his third MVP award, the team won the Japan Series. After this, Ichiro wanted to play in the Major Leagues in the United States.

In 1998, Ichiro played in exhibition games against American All-Stars. He played very well, batting .380 and stealing seven bases. Many MLB players praised him. In 2000, Ichiro was allowed to negotiate with MLB teams. The Seattle Mariners won the right to sign him with a bid of about $13 million. Ichiro signed a three-year, $14 million contract with the Mariners. In his nine seasons in Japan, Ichiro had 1,278 hits and a .353 batting average. He also won seven Golden Glove Awards.

Joining MLB: Seattle Mariners (2001–2012)

2001: Rookie of the Year and AL MVP

Suzuki in July 2001

Ichiro joined the Seattle Mariners in 2001. He was one of the first Japanese position players to play in MLB. Many people wondered if he was too small to succeed. But Ichiro had an amazing debut. In his eighth game, he made a powerful throw from right field. This play was called "The Throw" by Japanese media.

Ichiro wore number 51, his number in Japan. He had a fantastic 2001 season. He set a rookie record with 242 hits, the most by any MLB player since 1930. His great fielding in right field led to the area being called "Area 51". He batted .350 and stole 56 bases. He was the first player since Jackie Robinson in 1949 to lead his league in both. He had hitting streaks of 25 and 23 games. Japanese fans even took special tours to watch him play.

Ichiro was the first rookie to lead all players in All-Star Game voting. That winter, he won both the American League MVP and Rookie of the Year awards. He was only the second player ever to win both in the same season. He is also the only player to win an MVP, Rookie of the Year, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and start in the All-Star Game in the same year.

The Mariners had a great season in 2001, winning 116 games. In the playoffs, Ichiro hit well, batting .600 in the first round. However, the Mariners lost to the New York Yankees in the next round. Yankees manager Joe Torre told his pitchers not to let Ichiro beat them, calling him "the key to Seattle's offense."

2002 and 2003: Consistent Hitting

Suzuki in right field in 2002

In 2002, Ichiro had 208 hits. He was the first Mariners player with two straight 200-hit seasons. He was also the fifth MLB player to start his career with two 200-hit seasons. He finished second in the AL in hits and fourth in batting average. Ichiro led All-Star voting for the second year in a row.

In 2003, Ichiro got 212 hits, becoming only the third player to start his career with three 200-hit seasons. He was again in the top 10 in the AL for hits, batting average, steals, and runs. He was elected to his third All-Star game and led the voting again. After the season, Ichiro signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Mariners.

2004: Breaking the Hit Record

The display of Ichiro Suzuki, located on the third floor of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which shows the Ichi-meter, record for hits in a season for Ichiro Suzuki in 2004.

Ichiro had his best hitting season in 2004. He broke George Sisler's 84-year-old record for most hits in a season (257). Ichiro got 262 hits that year. He had 50 or more hits in four different months, a first for any player.

On May 21, Ichiro got his 2,000th professional hit (combining Japan and MLB). On October 1, he tied Sisler's record with a single. In the third inning, he got his 258th hit, breaking the record. Ichiro called it "the greatest moment of my baseball career." Sisler's daughter, Frances Sisler Drochelman, was at the game and met Ichiro.

In 2009, Ichiro visited Sisler's grave in St. Louis. He said he wanted to show respect to a great player. From 2001 to 2004, Ichiro had 924 hits, more than anyone in history over a four-year period. He later broke his own record with 930 hits from 2004 to 2007.

2005 and 2006: More Milestones

In 2005, Ichiro had 206 hits, his lowest total in MLB so far. But he still batted over .300, scored over 100 runs, stole over 30 bases, and got over 200 hits for the fifth straight season. This made him the first player to get 200 hits in each of his first five MLB years. He also reached 1,000 career MLB hits faster than any other player.

Ichiro's 2006 season started slowly, but he finished with a .322 batting average. His 224 hits led all of MLB. He also scored 110 runs and stole 45 bases. He was caught stealing only twice. His 1,354 career U.S. hits broke Wade Boggs's record for most hits in any six-year period. He won his sixth Gold Glove Award and was selected for his sixth All-Star Game.

2007: All-Star MVP and Contract Extension

Suzuki rounding the bases on 22 September 2007

In 2007, Ichiro had a 25-game hitting streak, a Mariners record. He also broke an American League record by stealing 41 bases in a row without being caught. He extended this record to 45.

On July 10, 2007, Ichiro made history in the MLB All-Star Game. He hit the first-ever inside-the-park home run in an All-Star Game. He was perfect at the plate, going 3-for-3, and was named the Most Valuable Player.

Ichiro signed a new five-year contract extension with Seattle in July 2007. The deal was worth $90 million. On July 29, 2007, Ichiro got his 1,500th U.S. hit. He reached this milestone faster than almost anyone else in MLB history.

2008: Tying a Hit Record

In 2008, Ichiro had 213 hits, his eighth straight 200-hit season. This tied a 107-year-old record set by Wee Willie Keeler. Ichiro was known for getting many infield hits. On July 29, 2008, Ichiro became the second-youngest player to reach 3,000 top-level professional hits (1,278 in Japan + 1,722 in the U.S.).

It became known that Ichiro gave a funny, intense speech to the American League team before each MLB All-Star Game. Players said his speech helped the AL win for many years.

2009: More Records and Milestones

Suzuki in 2009

Ichiro started 2009 on the disabled list for the first time due to a bleeding ulcer. He returned on April 15 and hit a grand slam. This was his 3,085th overall professional career hit, tying Isao Harimoto's Japanese record. He broke the record the next night.

Suzuki meeting President Barack Obama before the 2009 All-Star Game on 14 July 2009

Ichiro had a 27-game hitting streak in May and June, breaking his own Mariners record. On September 6, he got his 2,000th MLB hit. He was the second-fastest player to reach this milestone. On September 13, he got his 200th hit of the season for the ninth year in a row. This set an all-time MLB record. Including his 210 hits in Japan in 1994, he had ten 200-hit seasons in his professional career.

On September 18, Ichiro hit a game-winning, two-run home run against famous Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. This was one of the most memorable wins of the season. On September 26, Ichiro was ejected from a game for the first time in his career after arguing a strikeout call. He led MLB in hits again in 2009 with 225. He also won his second Fielding Bible Award for his great defense.

2010: Ten Straight 200-Hit Seasons

Suzuki batting in 2010

In 2010, Ichiro became eligible for the Hall of Fame by playing his tenth MLB season. On June 5, he scored his 1,000th career MLB run. On September 23, Ichiro made history. He hit a single to become the first MLB player to reach 200 hits for 10 consecutive seasons. This also tied him with Pete Rose for the most career seasons with 200+ hits. He finished the season with 214 hits, leading MLB. Ichiro also played in all 162 games that season.

Ichiro won his tenth straight Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2010. This tied him with Ken Griffey Jr., Andruw Jones, and Al Kaline. Only Roberto Clemente and Willie Mays had more (twelve each) among outfielders. He also won his third Fielding Bible Award for his excellent defense in right field.

2011 and 2012: End of First Mariners Stint

Suzuki in 2011

On April 2, 2011, Ichiro broke the Mariners' all-time career hits record with his 2,248th hit. This was his first season in 11 years that he did not make the All-Star team. He batted a career-low .272 with 184 hits. This was the first time he did not get 200 hits in an MLB season. He also did not win a Gold Glove.

On June 19, 2012, Ichiro got his 2,500th MLB hit. He reached this milestone faster than almost anyone else in major league history.

New York Yankees (2012–2014)

Suzuki in 2012

In July 2012, Ichiro asked the Mariners for a trade. He wanted to play for the New York Yankees. The Mariners traded him to the Yankees on July 23. Ichiro's first game as a Yankee was against his old team, the Mariners. He agreed to play mostly in left field and bat lower in the lineup. Ichiro hit safely in his first 12 games as a Yankee. He wore number 31 because his usual number 51 was retired by the Yankees.

Ichiro hit his first home run as a Yankee on July 30, which was also his 100th career home run. For the week ending September 23, Ichiro was named AL Player of the Week. He batted .600 with many hits and stolen bases. In 67 games with New York, Ichiro batted .322. His improved play led the Yankees to bat him higher in the lineup.

In the 2012 playoffs, Ichiro hit his first career postseason home run. The Yankees lost the series to the Detroit Tigers. In December 2012, Ichiro signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Yankees.

2013 and 2014: More Hits

On August 21, 2013, Ichiro got his 4,000th professional career hit (combining Japan and MLB). He became the seventh player in baseball history to reach this mark.

On July 10, 2014, Ichiro got his 2,800th MLB hit. On August 9, 2014, he passed George Sisler on the all-time MLB hit list with his 2,811th hit. Ichiro had previously broken Sisler's single-season hit record in 2004.

Miami Marlins (2015–2017)

2015: New Team, New Records

Ichiro signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Miami Marlins in January 2015. He was expected to be a backup outfielder. But due to injuries on the team, he played in many games. On April 25, Ichiro scored his 1,310th major league run. Combined with his runs in Japan, this broke Sadaharu Oh's record for runs scored by a Japanese player.

On August 14, Ichiro got his 4,192nd top-level hit, passing Ty Cobb. On July 29, he recorded his 2,900th major league hit. On August 31, Ichiro scored his 2,000th professional run (MLB and NPB combined). On October 4, he made his MLB pitching debut, throwing one inning and allowing one run. For the 2015 season, he batted .229 with 11 stolen bases.

2016: The 3,000-Hit Club

Suzuki in 2016

In October 2015, Ichiro signed a new contract with the Marlins for the 2016 season. He stole his 500th career MLB base on April 29, 2016.

On June 15, Ichiro recorded his 4,257th career hit (combining Japan and MLB). This broke Pete Rose's all-time record for hits in top-tier professional baseball. Some in the media called Ichiro the "Hit King."

On August 7, Ichiro got the 3,000th hit of his MLB career. He hit a triple off the right field wall at Coors Field against the Colorado Rockies. He was only the second player to reach this milestone with a triple. He also became one of only seven players to have 3,000 hits and 500 stolen bases. At the end of his 16th season, Ichiro had played in exactly 2,500 major league games. Only Ichiro and Pete Rose have played 2,500 games in their first 16 seasons.

2017: Oldest Player and Pinch-Hit Records

On April 19, 2017, Ichiro hit his first home run against his former team, the Seattle Mariners. On May 23, he scored his 1,400th MLB run.

On June 14, Ichiro singled for his 365th interleague hit, passing Derek Jeter to become the all-time leader in interleague hits. On June 25, Ichiro (at 43 years old) became the oldest player to start a game in center field since at least 1900. On June 29, he became the oldest active MLB player. On July 6, Ichiro got two singles, bringing his MLB hits total to 3,054. This passed Rod Carew as the all-time leader in MLB hits among foreign-born players.

On August 26, Ichiro set a Marlins' record for pinch-hits in a season with 22. On September 3, he set a major league record for most pinch-hit at-bats in a season (84). Four days later, he set a record for most pinch-hit plate appearances (95). On September 8, Ichiro became the sixth player ever to hit 2,500 career singles. He finished the season with 27 pinch hits. After the season, the Marlins did not pick up his contract option.

Return to Seattle Mariners (2018–2019)

2018: Special Assistant Role

Suzuki during his second stint with the Mariners in 2018

On March 7, 2018, Ichiro signed a one-year contract to return to the Mariners. This happened after several team outfielders got injured. On Opening Day, March 29, Ichiro became the 20th outfielder to record 5,000 career putouts. At 44 years old, he was the second-oldest active player in baseball.

On May 3, the Mariners announced that Ichiro would move to the front office as a special assistant to the chairman. He did not rule out playing again in 2019. In his last game of the year, he went 0-for-3. He played in 15 games for the 2018 Mariners, batting .205.

2019: Final Season and Retirement

On October 2, 2018, it was announced that Ichiro would be on the Mariners' roster for the start of the 2019 season in Japan. He signed a minor league deal on January 23, 2019.

On March 20, 2019, the Mariners opened the MLB season against the Athletics at the Tokyo Dome. Ichiro started the game in right field. At 45 years old, he was the second-oldest position player to start on opening day. The next night, Ichiro played in his final professional game. He went 0-for-4. In the eighth inning, he walked off the field to a huge round of applause. Later that day, Ichiro officially announced his retirement. He was the oldest active MLB player at the time.

2019 was Ichiro's 19th season in MLB. Including his nine years in Japan, he played 28 seasons in top-tier baseball leagues. This broke the record for most seasons played by a position player. On April 30, 2019, Ichiro continued his role as special assistant to the chairman for the Mariners.

International Baseball: World Baseball Classic

2006: First World Baseball Classic Championship

Suzuki at the World Baseball Classic 2006

Ichiro played for the Japan national baseball team in the first World Baseball Classic in March 2006. Japan won the tournament, beating Cuba 10–6 in the finals. Ichiro had twelve hits, including a home run, seven runs, and four stolen bases during the tournament.

2009: Second WBC Championship

Ichiro struggled for most of the 2009 tournament. But he delivered the game-winning hit in the Championship game against South Korea. In the top of the tenth inning, he hit a two-run single that broke a 3–3 tie. This hit led to Japan's 5–3 victory over South Korea. Ichiro finished that game 4-for-6.

Ichiro's Unique Playing Style

Ichiro in 2005

Ichiro was known for his amazing hitting. He didn't take many walks. In 2004, when he set the single-season hit record, he only had 49 walks. Ichiro once said, "If I'm allowed to hit .220, I could probably hit 40 [home runs], but nobody wants that."

Ichiro was also known for his excellent defense in right field. He had great range and a strong, accurate throwing arm. He won 10 Gold Glove Awards during his career.

Ichiro is the only left-handed hitter in Major League history to hit better against left-handed pitchers than right-handed pitchers, with at least 2,000 plate appearances.

Personality and Impact

Suzuki bunting in 2011

Ichiro was known for his strong work ethic. He would arrive early for games and do many stretching exercises. He continued to use his given name (Ichiro) on his uniform in MLB, just like he did in Japan. He was the first MLB player to do this since Vida Blue.

Ichiro was a ten-time Gold Glove winner and a ten-time All-Star from 2001 to 2010. His success helped open the door for other Japanese players to join the Major Leagues. His career was followed closely in Japan. National TV news covered his games, and special tours were arranged for Japanese fans to watch him play in the U.S.

Ichiro's agent, Tony Attanasio, said that Ichiro was so famous in Japan that you only needed to write "Ichiro" on an envelope for it to reach him. Ichiro's fame in Japan also helped MLB get a big broadcasting deal with a Japanese company.

Ichiro appears in TV commercials in Japan for ENEOS. A character named "Kyoshiro" in the anime and manga Major is based on him.

When he first came to the U.S., Ichiro enjoyed talking with former Negro leagues star Buck O'Neil. When O'Neil died in 2006, Ichiro sent a large memorial wreath to the funeral. The next year, he visited the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and made the largest donation ever by an active MLB player.

When Ichiro was traded to the Yankees in 2012, musician Ben Gibbard released a tribute song called "Ichiro's Theme."

Legacy and Recognition

On August 27, 2022, Ichiro Suzuki was inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame.

On January 16, 2025, Ichiro was elected to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He received 92.6% of the votes.

Later that month, Ichiro was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on his first try. He received 393 out of 394 possible votes, tying Derek Jeter for the second-highest vote percentage ever. He became the first Asian player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. On the same day, the Mariners announced that his uniform number 51 jersey would be officially retired in August 2025.

Endorsements and Personal Life

Suzuki and his wife Yumiko at the 2009 Red Carpet All-Star Parade

Throughout his career, Ichiro endorsed many Japanese brands. He was more careful about endorsing American companies. At one point, he earned about $7 million a year from endorsements, mostly from Japanese companies. He was the face of Kirin Brewery, a Japanese beer brand. He also endorsed Mizuno Corporation, Nikko Cordial, NTT Communications, Asics, JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy, Yunker energy drink, and Oakley sunglasses.

Ichiro's agent said he turned down about $40 million in endorsements. He was "very selective" about putting his name out in public.

Ichiro has an elder brother, Kazuyasu Suzuki. He married Yumiko Fukushima, a former TV announcer, on December 3, 1999. They have a pet dog named Ikkyu. The couple lived in Issaquah, Washington, when he played for Seattle. They lived in Greenwich, Connecticut, when he played for the Yankees, and in Miami Beach with the Marlins.

The "Ichiroll", a menu item once offered at T-Mobile Park named after Ichiro Suzuki

On March 18, 2011, Ichiro donated ¥100 million ($1.25 million) to the Japanese Red Cross. This was for earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.

Since November 2000, Ichiro's father, Nobuyuki, has run the "I-fain" exhibition room in Toyoyama, Ichiro's hometown. It shows many of Ichiro's items, from his childhood to his baseball gear.

Ichiro is the honored chairman of the Ichiro Cup. This is a six-month-long boys' baseball tournament with over 200 teams. It has been held in Toyoyama and nearby cities since 1996. Ichiro watches the final game and attends the awards ceremony every year.

Ichiro speaks English well and often spoke it with teammates. However, he uses an interpreter for interviews to make sure he is clearly understood. He also learned Spanish early in his MLB career. He did this because he felt a connection to Latin American players who, like him, were foreigners trying to succeed in the U.S.

See also

In Spanish: Ichiro Suzuki para niños