Ichiro Suzuki may be in his 50’s now, but his love for the game of baseball hasn’t aged a day.
The former Seattle Mariners’ legend is currently the Special Assistant to the Chairman for the Mariners, and also has been serving as a mentor for youth players in his homeland Japan. Suzuki has also helped train those with the Mariners, and in their Triple-A affiliate.
Suzuki was asked by The Athletic’s Brad Lefton about staying active in the game of baseball despite being officially retired since 2019.
“What I’m doing now is not amusement,” Suzuki said. “It’s a serious, competitive undertaking.”
Suzuki was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame earlier this year. With the Mariners from 2001-2012, he accumulated 10 All-Star appearances, 10 Gold Glove awards, and was named the AL Rookie of the Year and AL MVP in 2001. Despite his advanced age, Suzuki continues to train as if he is still slapping opposite field singles as a way to lead by example to those he now mentors.
“Playing baseball captured my heart as a little kid and I’ve loved the game ever since,” he said. “Now, I find complete fulfillment in passing that passion on to others who enjoy the game by being on the field with them.”
The current-day Mariners may not have Suzuki patrolling right field, but they’ll look to embark on a deep postseason run later this week, when they face the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS.