Newest Baseball Hall of Famer Just Got Company in Seattle Mariners History Books
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On Sunday, Seattle Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.
On Wednesday, current M's star Julio Rodriguez joined him in some team history, at least for the time being.
Rodriguez hit his 19th home run of the season in a 5-4 loss against the Athletics in West Sacramento, and that blast was the 99th of his career, tying Ichiro on the team's all-time home run list.
Julio Rodríguez with career HR 99. Ties Ichiro on the Mariners all-time list pic.twitter.com/yRcgVt0SdQ
— Gary Hill Jr. (@GaryHillJr) July 31, 2025
Rodriguez, 24, is hitting .253 this season with 19 homers and 56 RBIs. He's also stolen 20 bases and is just one home run shy of becoming the second member of the Mariners to join the 20/20 club (Randy Arozarena). A four-year veteran, Rodriguez is already a three-time All-Star and a two-time Silver Slugger.
He also plays excellent defense and could factor into the conversation for a Gold Glove in center field. He has a good relationship with Ichiro and the two are often seen playing catch before games at T-Mobile Park. In fact, this past weekend in Cooperstown, Ichiro referenced that Rodriguez still asks for his help and advice on certain aspects of outfield play.
Ichiro was asked why he's still motivated to go to the field and work out. He says it's because if he's going to be available to help current players, he has to be physically ready to help.
— Brady Farkas (@RefuseToLosePod) July 26, 2025
For instance, Julio Rodriguez asked him for help throwing to bases, and he wanted to be…
Ichiro was a professional for 28 seasons between his time in Japan and the United States. He played for the Mariners, Yankees and Miami Marlins, earning more than 4,300 combined professional hits. He was a 10-time All-Star and a 10-time Gold Glover. He also won two batting titles and three Silver Slugger Awards. He is one of three members of the Mariners to make the Hall of Fame, joining Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez.
The Mariners are 58-52 and will take on the Texas Rangers on Friday at 6:40 p.m. PT.
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