The Seattle Mariners followed Ichiro Suzuki's advice to "seize the moment" in the first inning, taking a four-run lead.

This weekend, Ichiro Suzuki's celebration events were abundant, including his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Mariners retiring his number 51 jersey, and the announcement of a statue being erected for him at T-Mobile Park next season. This legendary figure also dedicated part of the celebrations to the team for the 2025 season.

“This year's team has an incredible opportunity,” Ichiro said during his speech at T-Mobile Park yesterday, as he looked directly at the home team's dugout and the packed stands for the first game of the 2025 season. “You are strong and talented. Please do not take your talent for granted. You have a great team and a fantastic opportunity ahead of you. I understand that winning games comes with pressure, but the reality is that victories are never easy, and pressure is always present. Embrace this pressure and find ways to perform at your best under it.”

“While I can no longer help you with hits or lightning-fast throws, my spirit and desire will always be with you. I come to the ballpark every day because I want to help you prepare for critical moments. I firmly believe you can seize the moment.”

The Mariners accomplished this during Ichiro's special weekend, defeating the Rays 6-3 today, completing their second sweep of the season and wrapping up their home series with a 9-1 record. They have now achieved seven consecutive wins, with their only loss since the trade deadline being a defeat in extra innings to the Texas Rangers last Sunday.

Today, the Mariners perfectly embodied Ichiro Suzuki's advice from the very start of the game.

After leadoff hitter Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch and reached base, Cal Raleigh hit his 45th home run of the season in the first inning, a two-run shot. This tied him with Hall of Famer Johnny Bench for the second-most home runs by a catcher in a single season, a record set in 1970.

Next, Julio Rodríguez reached base with a hit, and Josh Naylor walked, putting pressure on Rays starter Adrian Houser. The two then attempted a double steal but caused a pitcher’s balk, allowing both to advance easily. Afterward, Eugenio Suárez hit a single up the middle, bringing both runners home to score.

The Mariners seized this opportunity, scoring four runs before the first out was recorded. They ultimately sent 10 batters to the plate and nearly knocked Houser out of the game, with a pitcher already warming up in the bullpen by the time he threw his 45th pitch.

Houser eventually steadied himself, while Bryan Woo struggled to complete his pitching duties. However, Naylor added a crucial insurance run with a solo home run in the seventh inning after missing a game the previous day due to left shoulder soreness, returning to the starting lineup.

Today's victory ensured that Ichiro Suzuki's special weekend concluded with a win.

“This really touched me deeply because if we want to achieve our goals, there will be many moments where we need to seize opportunities,” Rodríguez said about Ichiro's advice to the team. “I really keep those words in mind. I think every player knows how significant his words are because he sets an example every day. He is still here, showing up for us every day. It really touches me, and I know many teammates feel the same way.”

Raleigh added, “It feels really cool when he talks to us individually, discusses us, and brings us hope. Clearly, everything he says is great. Even in his Hall of Fame speech, he had some very good things to say, and I think those words resonate a lot with this team.”

Bryan Woo also praised Ichiro Suzuki: “He took the time from his speech to talk to us in a very clear, positive, and motivating way, and I think that’s really cool. I believe everyone in the clubhouse felt that.”

Rodríguez can be considered the player closest to Ichiro, with their bond tracing back to when Rodríguez was a prized rookie, years away from the major leagues—this is a documented friendship. However, this friendship, spanning past, present, and indeed future, feels timeless every time they are together.

“The most important thing is that he never gives up on himself,” Rodríguez said. “In the videos, they say many people doubted him, saying, ‘Oh, he might not be able to play here, he might not fit in.’ But he didn’t even need to fit in. I think too many people worry about fitting in, about looking like those around them. I just feel that at some points, you have to move forward, you have to stick to your beliefs about yourself, and carry that through. That’s something he does better than anyone.”

“I really try to keep that in mind. He didn’t try to fit in. He always maintained his signature style. He kept training with machines and so on, to see where that would take him. That’s what I learned from him: don’t try to fit in, be yourself, consistently do those little things, and then see where it takes you.”