Ichiro Suzuki, one of the most celebrated Japanese players in Major League Baseball history, was particularly excited about the prospect of seeing Shohei Ohtani up close when the Seattle Mariners faced the Los Angeles Angels in 2018. The Shohei Ohtani Ichiro Suzuki meeting sparked considerable interest due to both players’ prominent standing in the sport and their unique talents.
During this period, Suzuki was nearing the end of his playing career and had taken on a new role as assistant to the Mariners’ general manager. Although no longer a regular on the field, he eagerly anticipated the matchup, hoping to watch Ohtani closely from the dugout. Suzuki humorously hinted at a creative approach to positioning himself where he could get a better view of Ohtani’s performance.
“I was definitely very excited to see him for the first time in person,” Ichiro said. “Maybe I’ll have to pull a Bobby Valentine today. Today’s the day.”
—Ichiro Suzuki, Former Seattle Mariners Player
His reference to Bobby Valentine pointed to the former New York Mets manager’s famous disguise during a 1999 game against the Toronto Blue Jays. After being ejected for disputing a call, Valentine returned in sunglasses, a hat, and a fake mustache to sneak back into the dugout, ending with a suspension and fine for his antics.
The Legacy of Bobby Valentine and Mets’ Annual Tribute
Bobby Valentine is remembered fondly for his contributions to the New York Mets, including guiding the team to the American League Championship Series in 1999 and a World Series berth in 2000. Despite the Mets losing to their city rivals, the New York Yankees, in the Fall Classic, Valentine remains a significant figure in Queens’ baseball history.
To honor his impact and colorful personality, the Mets celebrate Bobby Valentine’s Day every February 14. His legacy endures among fans and the franchise alike as a symbol of passionate leadership and memorable moments.
Ichiro Suzuki’s playful nod to Valentine’s bold move reflects his own enthusiasm and respect for baseball’s rich traditions as he looked forward to witnessing the talents of Shohei Ohtani firsthand. This memorable intersection of two generations of Japanese baseball stars underscored the growing influence of international players in MLB and hinted at thrilling matchups to come for fans of the sport.