Seattle Mariners Dee Gordon pens touching tribute to Ichiro Suzuki

The legends make an impact on and off the diamond. There is no denying the impact that Seattle Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki made on Dee Gordon.

One of the great parts of baseball is watching the veteran players mentor the next wave of talent. The superstars are more than willing to share their knowledge of the game, and will work with those players who ask to improve. One of those players was Seattle Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki, who would lead by example with his hard work and dedication to his craft.

Ichiro made a profound impact on the game, but he also made a tremendous impact upon former teammate Dee Gordon. That impact was so profound that Gordon took out a full page advertisement in the Seattle Times to thank Ichiro for what he meant to his career.

It is understandable why someone of Gordon’s size would consider the Japanese legend to be an inspiration. Despite standing just 5’11” tall and weighing 175 pounds, Ichiro became a star stateside, winning two batting titles, an MVP and a Rookie of the Year award, and becoming a ten time All Star. His career having come to an end, Ichiro posted a .311/.355/.402 batting line with 3089 hits and 509 steals stateside. If his Japanese numbers are added, he finished with an incredible 4367 hits, the professional baseball record despite Pete Rose‘s protestations.

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Gordon has certainly had his share of ups and downs during his career. He had served an 80 game suspension for PEDs, and endured the loss of another close friend, Jose Fernandez. Yet, he also has had his positives, winning a batting title in his first season with the Marlins, likely due to Ichiro’s tutelage. Gordon also honored Fernandez after his passing by belting a leadoff home run in the following game, the only homer he hit that year.

In sports, and in life, it is a matter of those friendships that can last through the tough times. Anyone can be there when everything is going well, but it is a true friend that is there when times become difficult.

That is what Ichiro was for Gordon. He was more than a mentor and someone that the fleet footed second baseman looked up to. He was someone that remained in his corner through all the trials and tribulations that Gordon had endured. One can sense the connection the two had in reading the emotional farewell that the Mariners second baseman penned to his friend and mentor.

Ichiro Suzuki may have retired, but his legacy will not be forgotten. Seattle Mariners second baseman Dee Gordon will continue to carry on his legacy.