Inside The Mariners

Ichiro Suzuki Did a Perfect Impression of Seattle Mariners Broadcaster and Fans Loved It

Ichiro, who spent parts of 19 seasons in the major leagues, delivered a riveting speech in Cooperstown on Sunday, even nailing an impression of Rick Rizzs.
Brady Farkas|
Hall of Fame inductee Ichiro Suzuki poses with his Hall of Fame plaque after the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Clark Sports Center on July 27.
Hall of Fame inductee Ichiro Suzuki poses with his Hall of Fame plaque after the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Clark Sports Center on July 27. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

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Seattle Mariners

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- Seattle Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki was enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday afternoon on a sometimes hot, sometimes overcast day in Cooperstown, N.Y.

The owner of 3,089 career big-league hits, Ichiro delivered a riveting speech that was complete with deep introspection, life lessons and playful humor.

One of the more humorous moments came when Ichiro imitated longtime Mariners' radio announcer Rick Rizzs, saying that part of the reason he came to spring training in shape every year was because he wanted to be on the receiving end of one of Rizzs's trademark calls.

Mariners' fans, who have long admired Rizzs's trademark style, loved the reference and reacted as such on social media.

Per Lyle Goldstein of the Marine Layer podcast:

This Ichiro speech is incredible

So far he’s:

• Taken an absolute shot at the one writer that didn’t vote for him

• Name dropping Bob Costas over his famous “August in Kansas City” interview

• Did a loud Rick Rizzs “holy smokes” homage

And many sentimental stories too

Per @AlexSSN:

Ichiro dunking on the one writer who didn’t select him for the Hall, then a minute later delivering an over-the-top Rick Rizzs impression… this speech has everything

Per @MarinerMuse:

Oh my God Ichiro’s Rick Rizzs impression

Ichiro is now the third Mariners player in the Hall of Fame, alongside Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez. He was a 10-time Gold Glover and a 10-time All-Star.

You can read what is on his plaque in the post right here:

Related Stories on Seattle Mariners

NEW PODCAST IS HERE: Brady is back on a Friday, reacting to a win over the Angels and the M's acquisition of Josh Naylor. Furthermore, he talks about Julio Rodriguez's history-making day at the plate and he's joined by Japanese baseball insider @GaijinBaseball, who talks about Ichiro in advance of the Hall of Fame induction. CLICK HERE:

THE PLAQUE: Ichiro was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, and here's what his plaque in Cooperstown looks like. CLICK HERE:

PRIORITIES STRAIGHT: As the trade deadline nears, the Mariners are reportedly zeroing in on a specific target. CLICK HERE:

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Brady Farkas
BRADY FARKAS

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