Ichiro Stories: Why RF for Seattle Mariners was truly ‘Area 51’

Seattle Mariners insider Shannon Drayer tells the story of how Ichiro Suzuki put his own stamp on "Area 51" -- the right field area at Safeco Field.

BY SEATTLESPORTS.COM STAFF

Aug 6, 2025, 2:34 PM Updated: 2:35 pm

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Watch: Ichiro Suzuki's "Area 51" | 1 min

A big day in Seattle Mariners history is upon us, as one of the newest members of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Ichiro Suzuki, will have his No. 51 retired by the team on Saturday before a 6:40 p.m. M’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Drayer: Ichiro shows wisdom, gratitude, humor in HOF speech

The No. 51 was famously tied to Ichiro not just because he wore the number on the back of his jersey, but because his usual stomping grounds at Seattle’s ballpark – right field – had a nickname that included the number: Area 51.

That nickname is even more appropriate when you know how meticulous Ichiro was about the way right field at T-Mobile Park (then known as Safeco Field) was prepared.

Mariners insider Shannon Drayer, who covered Ichiro’s two stints with the team, has that story, which she shares from Area 51 itself in the video in this post.

The story of how Ichiro Suzuki helped shape "Area 51" — the legendary nickname for right field in Seattle.

Go inside the unique legacy of Ichiro's Hall of Fame #Mariners career ALL WEEK w/ Shannon Drayer leading up to his number retirement ceremony Saturday night. #IchiroHOF pic.twitter.com/iXxkhRlx72

— Seattle Sports (@SeattleSports) August 5, 2025

Look for more Ichiro Stories from Shannon Drayer this week here on the site, or click here for the full video of all five installments on the Seattle Sports YouTube channel.