Ichiro Suzuki, who amassed 4,367 hits over his historic career in Japan and the majors, was honored with the Seattle Mariners Franchise Achievement Award on Saturday and took the opportunity to thank the home crowd with a speech in English.
The 45-year-old, who announced his retirement in Japan in March following the Mariners' season-opening series in Tokyo, lamented being unable to share that moment with the Seattle fans who had supported him throughout the majority of his time in the big leagues.
"When I retired that night in Tokyo, I had an incomplete feeling because the great fans of Seattle could not be there. Tonight, I want to express my appreciation to you for your touching support over the years," Suzuki said.