Ichiro joins exclusive company in Mariners Hall of Fame

“What’s up, Seattle?!” Ichiro shouted, after which he allowed the eager audience to roar back and take in the moment.

Seattle’s franchise icon was beginning a 16-minute speech—which he gave in English—in conjunction with being enshrined in the Mariners Hall of Fame.

“Even though I retired as an active player, baseball and Seattle have never left my heart,” Ichiro said. “Baseball will forever be my soul, and my mission is to keep helping both players and fans appreciate this special game.”

Ichiro is the first member added since 2015, and he joined an exclusive group that includes nine other members (in order of induction): Alvin Davis, Dave Niehaus, Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, Dan Wilson, Ken Griffey Jr., Lou Piniella and Jamie Moyer, with all in attendance except Johnson and Piniella. One by one, Ichiro shared a message with each, blending in his trademark quick-wit humor with heartfelt respect. He also addressed Piniella.

“Lou kissed me right here on the cheek,” Ichiro said. “The manager gave me a big wet kiss. That doesn’t happen in Japan. I was shocked. Honestly, I was scared. I thought to myself if this is customary in America, I might not make it here. Remember, we won 116 games that year. I wasn’t ready for 116 kisses from the manager.”