History of Ichiro Suzuki in Timeline

Ichiro Suzuki, a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder, played 28 seasons across Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB). He starred with the Orix BlueWave and Seattle Mariners, also playing for the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins. A two-time World Baseball Classic champion with Japan, Ichiro is celebrated as one of baseball's greatest contact and leadoff hitters, and a superb defensive outfielder. His career is marked by exceptional hitting ability and defensive prowess, solidifying his legacy as a baseball icon.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1900: Oldest Player to Start in Center Field

On June 25, 2017, Ichiro Suzuki (age 43) became the oldest player to start a game in center field since at least 1900, breaking a record previously held by Rickey Henderson.

1906: Matched Record

In 2001, the Mariners, matched the 1906 Chicago Cubs' Major League record of 116 wins.

1923: Babe Ruth Reached Base Record

In 2004, despite setting the single-season record for hits, Ichiro Suzuki's low walk total (49) resulted in him reaching base 315 times, falling short of Babe Ruth's major league record of 379 times reaching base in a season set in 1923.

1927: Rookie Record Broken

In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki accumulated a rookie-record 242 hits, breaking Lloyd Waner’s rookie record of 223 hits dating back to 1927

1929: Bill Terry's Four-Year Hit Record

From 1929 to 1932, Bill Terry accumulated 918 hits over a four-year period, setting a record that would later be broken by Ichiro Suzuki.

1930: Most hits by any MLB player since 1930

In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki achieved a rookie-record 242 hits, the most hits by any MLB player since 1930

1932: Bill Terry's Four-Year Hit Record

From 1929 to 1932, Bill Terry accumulated 918 hits over a four-year period, setting a record that would later be broken by Ichiro Suzuki.

1934: Longest Hitless Streak

Doc Cramer went 191 consecutive games without back-to-back 0-fers in 1934–35.

1949: First Player to Lead League Since Jackie Robinson

In 2001, with a .350 batting average and 56 stolen bases, Ichiro Suzuki was the first player to lead his league in both categories since Jackie Robinson in 1949.

October 1973: Ichiro Suzuki's Birth

In October 1973, Ichiro Suzuki was born in Japan. He later became a professional baseball outfielder known for his exceptional hitting and defensive skills.

Others born on this day/year

November 1991: Drafted in the NPB Draft

In November 1991, Ichiro Suzuki was drafted in the fourth round of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) draft by the Orix BlueWave despite concerns about his size, marking the start of his professional baseball career.

1992: NPB Debut

In 1992, Ichiro Suzuki made his Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Pacific League debut for the Orix BlueWave at the age of 18. He spent most of his first two seasons in the farm system due to his manager's reservations about his unorthodox swing.

1992: Drafted in the NPB Draft

In 1992, Many Japanese teams had considered the 18-year-old Ichiro Suzuki too small to draft.

1993: First Ichi-Gun Hit and Return to Farm System

In 1993, Ichiro Suzuki recorded his first ichi-gun (Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball League) hit in the Pacific League. Despite hitting a home run against Hideo Nomo, he was sent back to the farm system on that very day.

1994: Pacific League Record and First MVP Award

In 1994, Ichiro Suzuki achieved a .385 batting average, setting a Pacific League record and winning the first of seven consecutive batting titles. He also won his first of three straight Pacific League MVP (Most Valuable Player) awards. In this year, he began to use his given name, Ichiro, instead of his family name, Suzuki, on his uniform.

1994: Breakthrough Season and Record-Breaking Performance

In 1994, Ichiro Suzuki benefited from the arrival of a new manager and set a Japanese single-season record with 210 hits, becoming the first player ever to top 200 hits in a single season. He began to be known by just his first name, Ichiro.

1994: 210 Hits with Orix

In 1994, Ichiro Suzuki recorded 210 hits with Orix.

1995: Led Blue Wave to Pacific League Pennant

In 1995, Ichiro Suzuki led the Orix Blue Wave to its first Pacific League pennant in 12 years. He also led the league with 80 RBI and 49 stolen bases, while his career-high 25 home runs were third in the league.

1996: Japan Series Victory and MLB Aspirations

In 1996, Ichiro Suzuki and the Orix Blue Wave defeated the Central League champion, Yomiuri Giants, in the Japan Series. After the season, playing in an exhibition series against a visiting team of Major League All-Stars kindled Suzuki's desire to play in the Major Leagues.

1996: NPB All-Star Game Pitching Appearance

In 1996, Ichiro Suzuki, interested in pitching professionally, took the mound to pitch to one batter in the NPB All-Star game, reaching approximately 91 mph (146 km/h) in warm-up pitches.

1996: Ichiro Cup Inauguration

Since 1996, Ichiro Suzuki has been the honorary chairman of the Ichiro Cup, a six-month-long boys' league tournament held in Toyoyama and surrounding areas. He attends the final game and awards ceremony every year.

1997: Joey Cora's Mariners Record

In 1997, Joey Cora set a Mariners record for hitting in consecutive games.

November 1998: Exhibition Series Participation

In November 1998, Ichiro Suzuki participated in a seven-game exhibition series between Japanese and American all-stars. Suzuki batted .380 and collected seven stolen bases in the series, winning praise from several of his MLB counterparts.

December 1999: Marriage to Yumiko Fukushima

On December 3, 1999, Ichiro Suzuki married Yumiko Fukushima, a former TBS TV announcer, at a small church in Santa Monica, California.

November 2000: "I-fain" Exhibition Room Opening

Since November 2000, Ichiro Suzuki's father, Nobuyuki, has run the Ichiro exhibition room named "I-fain" in Toyoyama, Suzuki's hometown, exhibiting memorabilia and personal items.

2000: Signed with Seattle Mariners

In November 2000, Ichiro Suzuki signed a three-year, $14 million contract with the Seattle Mariners after the Orix Blue Wave allowed him to negotiate with Major League clubs. Suzuki used the posting system, and the Seattle Mariners won the right to negotiate with him with a bid of approximately $13 million.

August 2001: Joined Pete Rose in Record

In 2004, after recording 50 hits in August 2001, Suzuki joined Pete Rose as the only players with four 50-hit months in a career.

August 2001: Sushi Stands selling "Ichirolls"

In August 2001, Safeco Field's sushi stands began selling "Ichirolls", a spicy tuna roll served with wasabi and ginger. They were created as a fan favorite, recognizing Ichiro's impact.

2001: First Japanese-born position player in MLB

In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki became the first Japanese-born position player to be posted and signed to a Major League Baseball (MLB) club. He led the American League (AL) in batting average and stolen bases, earning him the titles of AL Rookie of the Year and AL MVP.

2001: Rookie Season Success

In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki had a spectacular rookie season, accumulating a rookie-record 242 hits and leading the league in both batting average (.350) and stolen bases (56). His perennial Gold Glove fielding led Safeco's right field to be dubbed "Area 51".

2001: "The Throw"

In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki made an auspicious debut with Seattle, and in the Mariners' eighth game revealed his tremendous throwing arm by gunning down Oakland's Terrence Long. That play would be dubbed "The Throw" by Japanese media covering Suzuki's progress.

2001: Postseason Appearance and ALCS Loss

In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki made his only postseason appearance with the Mariners, batting .600 in the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians. However, Seattle's season ended against the New York Yankees in the ALCS, and Suzuki was held to a .222 average during the series.

2001: Endorsement Deals

In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki secured endorsement deals with Cutter & Buck, Upper Deck trading cards, and Majestic Athletic, a sporting goods company.

2001: All-Star Selection

In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki was selected as an All-Star, beginning a streak of ten consecutive All-Star selections.

2001: Record-Breaking Four-Year Hit Total Begins

Starting in 2001, Ichiro Suzuki began a four-year stretch where he accumulated 924 hits, surpassing Bill Terry's record of 918 hits from 1929 to 1932, though Terry played in fewer games.

2002: Tax Scandal and Relationship Collapse

In 2002, Ichiro Suzuki was saddled with a significant bill for unpaid taxes due to his father Nobuyuki underreporting his income. The scandal caused Ichiro embarrassment and financial loss, contributing to the collapse of their relationship.

2003: Third Player to Begin Career with Three 200-Hit Seasons

In 2003, Ichiro Suzuki became just the third player in history to begin his career with three 200-hit seasons, garnering 212 hits. He was elected to his third All-Star game, leading in votes in both leagues.

2003: Broadcasting Rights Deal

In 2003, Ichiro Suzuki's popularity in Japan fueled interest in Major League Baseball, contributing to a $275 million broadcasting rights deal between MLB and Dentsu Inc.

2004: Record-Breaking Year

During the August 2010 series against the New York Yankees, Ichiro Suzuki traveled to the grave of Hall-of-Famer Wee Willie Keeler, whose record for single-season hits he had broken in 2004.

2004: Continued Record-Breaking Performance

In 2004, Ichiro Suzuki continued his dominant performance, during one 56-game stretch, Suzuki batted over .450. Suzuki also batted over .400 against left-handed pitching in 2004.

2004: Seattle visit from Sisler's Family

In 2004, Ichiro Suzuki crossed paths with George Sisler, and his family came to Seattle to attend one of Ichiro's games.

2004: Record for Most Hits in a Season

In 2004, Ichiro Suzuki had his best offensive season and broke George Sisler's 84-year-old record for most hits (257) in a season.

2004: Limited Walks Despite High Hit Total

2004: Breaking George Sisler's Single Season Hit Record

In the 2004 season, Ichiro Suzuki broke George Sisler's single season hit record.

2005: MLB Career Performance and Milestone

In 2005, Ichiro Suzuki had his second-worst year in MLB, with 206 hits. However, he maintained a .300+ batting average, 100+ runs, 30+ steals, and 200+ hits for the fifth consecutive season, a record for a player's first five years. During the 2005 season, he also reached 1,000 career hits faster than any player in MLB history and hit a career-high 15 home runs.

March 2006: World Baseball Classic

In March 2006, Ichiro Suzuki played for Japan in the World Baseball Classic. His comments about wanting to decisively beat South Korea stirred controversy. Japan won the tournament, defeating Cuba in the final. Suzuki had twelve hits, including a home run, with seven runs and four stolen bases during the tournament.

2006: Bernie Williams Retirement

In 2006, Bernie Williams retired from the New York Yankees. Ichiro Suzuki wore number 31 during his tenure with the Yankees, as his traditional 51 had not been used since the 2006 retirement of Bernie Williams, who wore it while playing for the Yankees.

2006: High Stocking Baseball Pants

In 2006, Ichiro Suzuki began wearing high stocking baseball pants in the World Baseball Classic.

2006: Statistical Achievements and Awards

In 2006, Ichiro Suzuki rebounded from a slow start to finish with a .322 average, leading the majors with 224 hits, and recording 110 runs and 45 stolen bases. He earned his sixth Gold Glove Award, sixth All-Star Game selection, and a Fielding Bible Award as the best fielding MLB right fielder. His 1,354 career U.S. hits topped Wade Boggs's record.

2006: Memorial Wreath for Buck O'Neil

In 2006, after the death of former Negro leagues star Buck O'Neil, whom Ichiro Suzuki enjoyed talking with in Kansas City, Suzuki sent a very large memorial wreath to O'Neil's funeral service.

July 2007: All-Star Game MVP

On July 10, 2007, Ichiro Suzuki hit an inside-the-park home run in the MLB All-Star Game, the first in All-Star Game history. He went 3-for-3 and was named the Most Valuable Player in the American League's victory.

July 2007: 1,500th U.S. Hit

On July 29, 2007, Ichiro Suzuki collected his 1,500th U.S. hit, reaching the milestone as the third-fastest player in MLB history, behind Al Simmons and George Sisler.

2007: Contract Extension

Following the 2003 season, Ichiro Suzuki signed a 4-year, $44 million contract that kept him with the Mariners through 2007, ensuring his continued presence with the team.

2007: Surpasses Own Record with 930 Hits

From 2004 to 2007, Ichiro Suzuki recorded 930 hits, surpassing his own record for the most hits over a four-year span.

2007: All-Star Game MVP Award

In 2007, Ichiro Suzuki won the All-Star Game MVP Award for a three-hit performance that included the event's first-ever inside-the-park home run, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2007: Five-Year Contract Extension with Seattle

In July 2007, Ichiro Suzuki signed a five-year contract extension with the Seattle Mariners, reported to be worth $90 million, including salary, signing bonus, and other benefits such as housing allowance and travel tickets.

2007: Hargrove's Contract

Mike Hargrove remained manager through 2007 with the Mariners.

May 2008: Breaks Mariners Stealing Record

In May 2008, Ichiro Suzuki stole two bases, surpassing Julio Cruz's Seattle Mariners team record of 290 stolen bases, bringing his career total to 292.

July 2008: 3,000 Top-Level Professional Hits

On July 29, 2008, Ichiro Suzuki became the second-youngest player to amass 3,000 top-level professional hits (1,278 in Japan and 1,722 in the U.S.) after Ty Cobb. He also became the second Japanese professional to reach this milestone.

2008: Pregame Speech

By 2008, Ichiro Suzuki was known within baseball for his profanity-laced pregame speech in the clubhouse prior to the MLB All-Star Game.

June 2009: Hitting Streak and Milestone

In June 2009, Ichiro Suzuki surpassed his own franchise record with a 27-game hitting streak. Suzuki went on to record 44 hits in June 2009, his 20th career month with 40 or more hits.

July 2009: Visit to Sisler's Grave

In July 2009, Ichiro Suzuki, while in St. Louis for his ninth All-Star appearance, visited George Sisler's grave. He expressed that since opportunities to visit St. Louis were rare, he wanted to pay respects to a respected figure in baseball.

September 2009: First Ejection and Hitless Streak

On September 26, 2009, Ichiro Suzuki was ejected from a game for the first time in his professional career after arguing a strikeout call. This ejection broke his streak of 180 games without consecutive hitless games.

2009: Season Achievements and Award

In 2009, Ichiro Suzuki led the majors in hits with 225. He won his second Fielding Bible Award as the best fielding right fielder in MLB. In total, Suzuki had 2,030 hits in the 2000s, the most for all MLB players in that era.

2009: Injury and Record-Matching Home Run

In 2009, Ichiro Suzuki started the season on the disabled list due to a bleeding ulcer, possibly from the stress of playing in the World Baseball Classic. On April 15, 2009, in his debut after missing games, he hit a grand slam, matching Isao Harimoto's Japanese record for career hits.

2009: Suzuki Comments

In 2009, Ichiro Suzuki told The New York Times:...

2009: World Baseball Classic Workout

In 2009, during an early February workout at the World Baseball Classic, it was reported that Ichiro Suzuki's fastball was clocked at 92 mph.

June 2010: 1,000th Career MLB Run

On June 5, 2010, Ichiro Suzuki scored his 1,000th career MLB run against the Angels.

August 2010: Pays Respects to Keeler

During the August 2010 series against the New York Yankees, Ichiro Suzuki visited the grave of "Wee Willie" Keeler, in Queens, New York, whose single-season hits record he broke in 2004.

September 2010: 2,200th Hit

On September 1, 2010, Ichiro Suzuki collected his 2,200th hit against the Cleveland Indians.

2010: Tenth Consecutive All-Star Selection

In 2010, Ichiro Suzuki marked his tenth consecutive All-Star selection. His success opened doors for other Japanese players like Hideki Matsui, Kenji Johjima, So Taguchi, Kazuo Matsui, Shohei Ohtani and Seiya Suzuki to enter the Major Leagues. His career was closely followed in Japan.

2010: Tenth Consecutive Gold Glove Award

In 2010, Ichiro Suzuki secured his tenth consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove Award, putting him on par with Ken Griffey Jr., Andruw Jones, and Al Kaline, while only trailing Roberto Clemente and Willie Mays in the number of awards won by major league outfielders. That same year, he also clinched his second consecutive and third overall Fielding Bible Award, acknowledging his defensive excellence in right field based on statistical data. He was the first right fielder in MLB history to win multiple Bible awards.

2010: Consecutive 200-Hit Seasons Record

On September 23, 2010, Ichiro Suzuki became the first MLB player to reach 200 hits for 10 consecutive seasons, tying Pete Rose for the most career seasons of 200+ hits. He finished the season with 214 hits, leading MLB, and played in all 162 games, his 3rd season doing so.

March 2011: Donation to Earthquake and Tsunami Relief

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

April 2011: Breaking Mariners' All-Time Hits Record

On April 2, 2011, Ichiro Suzuki surpassed Edgar Martínez to become the Mariners' all-time career hits leader, achieving his 2,248th hit during a game against the Oakland Athletics. This was a significant milestone in his career with the team.

June 2012: 2,500th MLB Hit

On June 19, 2012, Ichiro Suzuki recorded his 2,500th MLB hit with a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He reached this milestone in the fourth-fewest games in major league history.

July 2012: Tribute Song Release

In July 2012, after Ichiro Suzuki was traded to the Yankees, Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab for Cutie) posted his tribute song, "Ichiro's Theme", on his SoundCloud page.

Loading Video...

December 2012: Signing with the Yankees

On December 19, 2012, Ichiro Suzuki officially signed a two-year deal worth $13 million with the New York Yankees.

2012: Postseason Home Run and ALDS Play

During the 2012 ALDS against the Baltimore Orioles, Ichiro Suzuki made a notable play at home plate. In Game 1 of the 2012 ALCS, Suzuki hit his first career postseason home run; however, the Yankees lost the series to the Detroit Tigers in 4 games.

2012: Trade to the New York Yankees

In 2012, Ichiro Suzuki requested a trade from the Mariners and was traded to the New York Yankees on July 23 for minor league pitchers D.J. Mitchell and Danny Farquhar, with Seattle also receiving cash. As part of the trade agreement, Suzuki was slated to play primarily in left field, bat at the bottom of the lineup, and occasionally sit against left-handed pitching.

June 2013: Walk-off Home Run

On June 25, 2013, Ichiro Suzuki hit a walk-off home run against Tanner Scheppers of the Texas Rangers in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Yankees' runs were all solo home runs in that game.

August 2013: 4,000th Professional Career Hit

On August 21, 2013, Ichiro Suzuki achieved his 4,000th professional career hit with a single against R. A. Dickey of the Toronto Blue Jays. This made him the seventh player in professional baseball history to reach this milestone.

2013: First Four-Hit Game Since 2013

On August 18, 2015, Ichiro Suzuki had his first four-hit game since 2013, showcasing his continued ability to perform at a high level.

July 2014: 2,800th MLB Hit

On July 10, 2014, Ichiro Suzuki recorded his 2,800th MLB hit against Scott Atchison of the Cleveland Indians.

August 2014: Passing George Sisler on All-Time Hit List

On August 9, 2014, Ichiro Suzuki surpassed George Sisler on the all-time hit list with his 2,811th hit in a game against the Houston Astros.

January 2015: Signing with the Miami Marlins

In January 2015, Ichiro Suzuki agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Miami Marlins.

October 2015: Contract Extension with Marlins

In October 2015, Ichiro Suzuki and the Miami Marlins agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract for the 2016 season, which also included a $2 million club option for 2017.

2015: MLB Pitching Debut

On October 4, 2015, the final day of the season, Ichiro Suzuki pitched in his first MLB game, throwing one complete inning in a 7–2 Marlins loss against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing one run on two hits. He was able to reach 88 mph with his fastball and a mid 80s slider.

April 2016: 500th Career MLB Stolen Base and Passing Frank Robinson

On April 29, 2016, Ichiro Suzuki stole his 500th career MLB base against the Milwaukee Brewers and moved ahead of Frank Robinson on the all-time MLB hit list with his 2,944th hit.

2016: Marlins Exercise Contract Option

After the 2016 season, the Marlins exercised their option on Ichiro Suzuki's contract for the 2017 season and added an option for the 2018 season, ensuring his continued presence with the team.

2016: Largest Contribution to Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

As of 2016, Ichiro Suzuki's contribution to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, made the previous year during a road trip to Kansas City, remains the largest ever made by an active MLB player.

2016: 3,000th MLB Hit

In 2016, Ichiro Suzuki notched the 3,000th hit of his Major League Baseball (MLB) career, becoming only the 30th player ever to reach that milestone. He continued to produce at a high level, showcasing the longevity of his career.

2017: Marlins Exercise Contract Option

After the 2016 season, the Marlins exercised their option on Ichiro Suzuki's contract for the 2017 season and added an option for the 2018 season, ensuring his continued presence with the team.

2017: Contract Option for 2017

In October 2015, Ichiro Suzuki and the Miami Marlins agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract for the 2016 season, which also included a $2 million club option for 2017.

2017: All-Time Interleague Hits Leader

On June 14, 2017, Ichiro Suzuki became the all-time leader in interleague hits, surpassing Derek Jeter with his 365th interleague hit. He finished 2017 with 368 interleague hits.

March 2018: Return to the Mariners

On March 7, 2018, Ichiro Suzuki signed a one-year contract to return to the Seattle Mariners due to injuries among the team's outfielders.

June 2018: Adrian Beltre Surpasses Ichiro as Foreign Hits Leader

On June 13, 2018, Adrian Beltre surpassed Ichiro Suzuki as the all-time leader in MLB hits among foreign-born players.

October 2018: Active Roster Announcement

On October 2, 2018, it was announced that Ichiro Suzuki would be on the Mariners' active roster for the 2019 season opener against the Oakland Athletics in Japan.

2018: Marlins Exercise Contract Option

After the 2016 season, the Marlins exercised their option on Ichiro Suzuki's contract for the 2017 season and added an option for the 2018 season, ensuring his continued presence with the team.

2018: Wasp Species Named After Suzuki

In 2018, researcher Jose Fernandez-Triana named a newly discovered species of wasp, Diolcogaster ichiroi, after Ichiro Suzuki. The wasp, collected at the Archbold Biological Station in Florida, was named to honor Ichiro, Fernandez-Triana's favorite baseball player.

2018: Move to Mariners Front Office

On May 3, 2018, the Mariners announced that Ichiro Suzuki would move to the front office as a special assistant to the chairman for the remainder of the season, transitioning from his role as a player.

January 2019: Minor League Deal

On January 23, 2019, Ichiro Suzuki was re-signed to a minor league deal, setting the stage for his return to the Mariners.

March 2019: Retirement Announcement

On March 20 and 21, 2019, Ichiro Suzuki started the MLB season opener for the Mariners against the Athletics in Tokyo, becoming the second oldest position player to start on opening day. On March 21st, after playing his final professional game, he officially announced his retirement as the oldest active MLB player.

April 2019: Renewal of Role as Special Assistant

On April 30, 2019, Ichiro Suzuki renewed his role with the Seattle Mariners as special assistant to the chairman, continuing his involvement with the team in a non-playing capacity.

2019: Pet Dog and Residences

As of 2019, Ichiro Suzuki and his wife Yumiko had a pet dog (Shiba Inu) named Ikkyu. They resided in Issaquah, Washington, during the Seattle season, Greenwich, Connecticut, while he played for the Yankees, and Miami Beach during seasons with the Marlins.

2019: Retirement and Special Assistant Role

In 2019, Ichiro Suzuki retired as a player and became the Seattle Mariners' special assistant to the chairman, transitioning into a new role within the organization after a remarkable career.

2019: Record for Most Seasons Played

In 2019, Ichiro Suzuki's 28 seasons in top-tiered baseball leagues (19 in MLB and 9 in Japan's NPB) surpassed Cap Anson's record for most seasons played by a position player.

2019: Potential Return as a Player

On May 3, 2018, it was announced that Ichiro Suzuki would move to the front office as a special assistant to the chairman for the remainder of the season, but Suzuki did not rule out a possible return as a player for the 2019 season.

September 7, 2021: Miguel Cabrera Surpasses Interleague Hit Record

On September 7, 2021, Miguel Cabrera surpassed Ichiro Suzuki's interleague hit record.

August 2022: Induction into Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame

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

2024: Home Run Rank

As of 2024, Ichiro Suzuki's 37 career leadoff home runs rank 13th all time.

January 2025: Election to Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame

On January 16, 2025, Ichiro Suzuki was elected to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He appeared on 323 of the 349 valid ballots, achieving 92.6% of the votes.

2025: Election to Baseball Hall of Fame

In 2025, Ichiro Suzuki was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He also was elected to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame that same year.