Ichiro Suzuki turned 53 this week, capping a remarkable couple of years. In 2025 he was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame with 393 of 394 votes, the first Japanese player to make it, and in August that year the Seattle Mariners retired his famous No. 51.
A slap-hitting, base-stealing, laser-throwing artist, Ichiro broke records on both sides of the Pacific. Find more diamond legends in our baseball collection and the Seattle Mariners collection.
Ichiro Suzuki Fact File
| Full name | Ichiro Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 22 October 1973 (age 53) |
| Place of birth | Nishikasugai District, Aichi, Japan |
| Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 9½ in) |
| Position | Right fielder (bats left, throws right) |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Current status | Retired (2019); Mariners special assistant to the chairman |
| Shirt number | 51 (retired by the Mariners) |
| Nickname | Ichiro |
Career History
| Years | Team | League | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992–2000 | Orix BlueWave | NPB (Japan) | 1,278 hits, .353 average, seven batting titles, three MVPs |
| 2001–2012 | Seattle Mariners | MLB | 2001 MVP and Rookie of the Year; 262 hits in 2004 |
| 2012–2014 | New York Yankees | MLB | – |
| 2015–2017 | Miami Marlins | MLB | Reached 3,000 MLB hits |
| 2018–2019 | Seattle Mariners | MLB | Farewell in Tokyo, 2019 |
He finished with 3,089 MLB hits and 4,367 hits across NPB and MLB combined.
Japan's Hit Machine
Born in Aichi Prefecture on 22 October 1973, Ichiro joined the Orix BlueWave and became a superstar in Nippon Professional Baseball. From 1992 to 2000 he collected 1,278 hits with a .353 average, won seven batting titles and was named Pacific League MVP three years running from 1994 to 1996. He was so famous that he went by his first name alone.
Celebrate his Mariners years with our Ichiro Suzuki Mariners Baseball Icon Frame Men's Hoodie.
A Sensational MLB Debut
Ichiro joined the Seattle Mariners in 2001 and took the American League by storm. He won the batting title, led the Mariners to a record-tying 116 wins and became only the second player to be named MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. It was the start of ten consecutive seasons with 200 or more hits, ten straight Gold Gloves and ten straight All-Star selections.
Show your support with our Ichiro Suzuki Men's T-Shirt.
262 Hits and 3,000
In 2004 Ichiro collected 262 hits, breaking George Sisler's single-season record that had stood since 1920, and won his second batting title. At the 2007 All-Star Game he hit the first inside-the-park home run in All-Star history on his way to the MVP award. He also helped Japan win the World Baseball Classic in 2006 and 2009.
After spells with the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins, where he reached 3,000 MLB hits, he returned to Seattle and played his final game in Tokyo in 2019. Our Ichiro Suzuki Men's Hoodie is perfect for game day.
Cooperstown Calls
Ichiro finished with 3,089 MLB hits and 4,367 professional hits in total. In January 2025 he was elected to the Hall of Fame, one vote short of unanimity, and on 9 August 2025 the Mariners retired No. 51. He continues to work for the club as special assistant to the chairman.
Honours
MLB
- AL MVP and AL Rookie of the Year (2001)
- AL batting champion: 2001, 2004
- Ten Gold Gloves and ten All-Star selections (2001–2010)
- All-Star Game MVP (2007)
- Single-season hits record: 262 (2004)
NPB
- Seven batting titles
- Pacific League MVP: 1994, 1995, 1996
International and Hall of Fame
- World Baseball Classic: 2006, 2009
- National Baseball Hall of Fame (2025)
Away From the Game
Ichiro has been married to former TV presenter Yumiko Fukushima since 1999. He remains a much-loved figure in both Japan and Seattle, famed for his dedication to training and preparation.
FAQs
How old is Ichiro Suzuki?
Ichiro was born on 22 October 1973, so he is 53 years old.
Where was Ichiro born?
He was born in Nishikasugai District, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
How tall is Ichiro?
Ichiro stands 1.77 m, or 5 ft 9½ in.
What teams did Ichiro play for?
He played for the Orix BlueWave in Japan, then the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, Miami Marlins and the Mariners again in MLB.
How many hits did Ichiro have?
He had 3,089 MLB hits and 4,367 hits across his NPB and MLB careers combined.
What is Ichiro's single-season hits record?
He collected 262 hits in 2004, the most ever in a single MLB season.
Shop the Ichiro Suzuki Collection
Choose your favourite Ichiro design, made to order in the UK.
Explore the baseball collection and Seattle Mariners collection, or add your own name with our custom name hoodie.
Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Shohei Ohtani Career Story and Ken Griffey Jr. Career Story.
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