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Seattle Mariners: Ichiro Suzuki could have one more series left

By David Hill |
SEATTLE, WA - MAY 3: Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners walks off the field after batting practice before a game against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field on May 3, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners announced before the game that Ichiro would transition out of a playing role for 2018 and into the front office as a special assistant to the chairman, effective today. Ichiro's agent said that the 10-time All-Star is not retiring, leaving open the possibility of returning to the field in 2019, according to published reports. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - MAY 3: Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners walks off the field after batting practice before a game against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field on May 3, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners announced before the game that Ichiro would transition out of a playing role for 2018 and into the front office as a special assistant to the chairman, effective today. Ichiro's agent said that the 10-time All-Star is not retiring, leaving open the possibility of returning to the field in 2019, according to published reports. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)

It is seemingly the end of the line for Seattle Mariners icon Ichiro Suzuki. However, he may have one last series left in him before hanging up the cleats for good.

With the announcement that Ichiro Suzuki was transitioning to the Seattle Mariners front office, effective immediately, it appeared as though his career was over. The Mariners icon had struggled to a miserable .205/.255/.205 batting line in his 47 plate appearance this season, following a miserable 2017 campaign. Although he had professed his desire to play until he was 50, time had seemingly run out on his career.

However, this is just the end of his 2018 campaign. Ichiro has left open the possibility of coming back next season, which could lead to a very interesting farewell should the Mariners be willing to give him one last game.

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It would be a perfect way for Ichiro to say farewell to the game. He would be back with the Mariners, the team that fans stateside have come to associate him with. Meanwhile, he would be home once again, stepping to the plate to the roaring adulation of his legions of fans in his home country. And if he can turn back the clock in that moment, getting one last base hit, that would make the moment even more special.

Even if he never sets foot on the field as a major leaguer again, Ichiro has had an impressive career. He was a ten time All Star and ten time Gold Glove winner, earning the 2001 AL Rookie of the Year and MVP awards. In 2004, he set the major league record with 262 hits in a season. He has 3089 major league hits, and 4367 hits as a professional, giving him a claim as the all time hit king, even if Pete Rose wants to disagree.

He was also far more than the statistics. Ichiro paved the way for Japanese position players, just as Hideo Nomo did the same for pitchers. He proved that they could find success at the major league level, and that Nippon Professional Baseball was not the equivalent of some lower level of minor league action. An entire generation of players can look to Ichiro as the person who was able to make sure they had a chance stateside.

Next: Ichiro's place amongst Mariners greats

It would appear as though Seattle Mariners icon Ichiro Suzuki is set to ride off into the sunset. Instead, he may have one last series left next season.

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