Mariners hilariously roast HOF voter who didn’t vote for Ichiro

SEATTLE – There were plenty of memorable moments that came for Ichiro Suzuki’s number retirement ceremony Saturday night at T-Mobile Park.

Seattle Mariners to unveil Ichiro statue in 2026

One of the best came in the form of some ribbing at the expense of the only Hall of Fame voter to leave Ichiro off his or her ballot, which was delivered by longtime M’s play-by-play voice Rick Rizzs.

“Please direct your attention to the area way behind me in right field,” Rizzs said. “You see that there. Look way up there. A premium seat has been reserved for our ceremony this evening for the one Hall of Famer who did not vote for Ichiro.”

The big screen at T-Mobile Park  cut to an empty seat with a reservation sign on it up in the top row of third deck in right field, which is about as far away from home plate one can be seated at the stadium.

After a mixture of laughter and boos (mostly boos) from the crowd, Rizzs said: “I guess the invite got lost in the mail.”

You can see the moment in the clip below.

Don't worry, we saved a seat for *that* one voter… #IchiroHOF pic.twitter.com/tH994QopHf

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 10, 2025

Ichiro, a 10-time All-Star and Gold Glover who won two batting titles and has more professional hits (4,367) than any player in baseball history, was left off the ballot of one Hall of Fame voter. That interesting decision allowed Yankees closer Mariano Rivera to remain as the only member of the Hall of Fame to be voted in unanimously.

Ichiro was inducted into Cooperstown last month, becoming the first Japanese-born member of the baseball Hall of Fame. On Saturday, he became just the fourth player to have his number retired by the Mariners, joining Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez and Jackie Robinson. The club also announced during the ceremony that Ichiro will have a statue in his honor unveiled at T-Mobile Park next season.

“My will and desire is always there for you.” #IchiroHOF https://t.co/o5M9VSzmX5 pic.twitter.com/KmNRJ8Fu5f

— Seattle Sports (@SeattleSports) August 10, 2025

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