Mariners unveil Ichiro statue outside of T-Mobile Park
The Seattle Times • • sports
Key Points:
- During the unveiling of Ichiro Suzuki's statue at T-Mobile Park, the bronze bat held by the statue snapped, causing a humorous moment among Mariners legends Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, and Ichiro himself.
- The broken bat incident was seen as symbolic of the Mariners' current offensive struggles, though Ichiro joked it was the work of Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, known for breaking bats.
- Ichiro's statue, created by artist Lou Cella, depicts his iconic batting stance and is located near statues of Griffey Jr. and Martinez outside the Mariners ballpark.
- Ichiro was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame last year with near-unanimous support and had his number retired by the Mariners, marking significant celebrations of his career.
- The Mariners are honoring Ichiro further by giving away miniature replica statues at an upcoming game, with some signed by Ichiro himself.
