Ichiro Suzuki back with Mariners as an instructor
Apr 30, 2019, 3:41 PM
Former Mariners OF Ichiro Suzuki retired as the active MLB leader in hits last month. (AP)
(AP)
It was just over a month ago that Ichiro Suzuki played his last MLB game with the Seattle Mariners. The next phase of his career in career began Tuesday, however, as he joined the Mariners as an instructor.
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The 45-year-old Ichiro will work with the Mariners and their Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma “with a focus on outfield play, base running and, in conjunction with the hitting coaches, batting,” the team said in a press release.
Ichiro will work with Mariners players at the majority of their home games, typically during pregame workouts. He maintains his title of Special Assistant to the Chairman but will report to general manager Jerry Dipoto.
Ichiro ended his playing career after appearing in the Mariners’ two games against Oakland in his native Japan in March. He retired as the MLB’s active hits leader at 3,089, ranking 21st all-time.
