Ichiro Suzuki's blessing leaves 2025 Mariners with no more excuses

In his number retirement speech at T-Mobile Park last Saturday, Ichiro Suzuki left this year's Seattle Mariners team with strong words.

"I am confident you can seize the moment," the newly inducted Hall of Famer said.

The Mariners have been seizing the moment. The team is in the middle of an eight-game winning streak. They are 34-19 since June 11th and 16-8 since the All-Star break. Everything seems to be going right for them.

The front office showed faith in the team, trading for Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor at the trade deadline. Cal Raleigh is putting up MVP-caliber numbers, Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena are both in the 20-20 club, there's a quartet of aces atop the rotation and a dynamic duo at the back end of the bullpen.

It all points back to another thing Ichiro said: “This year’s team has a great opportunity."

Ichiro Suzuki gave his blessing to the perfect Mariners team

He's right. The Houston Astros are weak, and the Mariners have now tied their rivals atop the AL West. The rest of the American League looks similarly vulnerable. The New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers, the two best teams during the first half of the season, are both struggling. The Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays have been good, but are full of youth and inexperience. The Texas Rangers are middling out at 61-60. If there was ever a year the Mariners should be going for it, it's this year.

"You guys are strong and talented. Please do not take your talent for granted," said Suzuki. "You have a great team and a great opportunity in front of you. I understand that there is pressure to win, but the thing is that winning is always tough and never comes without pressure. Accept the pressure and figure out how you can perform at your best under pressure."

Ichiro has been there before. He was there in 2001 when the Mariners won 116 games. Yet even with the best team in the history of the American League, the pressure got to the Mariners in the postseason. The 2025 Mariners also face pressure, but they have the talent to overcome it. Seattle leads the league in one-run wins, with a 26-15 record in those games. They've found the ability to compete in every game and win the close ones when it counts.

Ichiro closed his speech by offering words of encouragement.

"Although I can no longer help you with a hit or a laser-beam throw, my will and desire is always there for you. I come to the field every day because I want to help you be prepared for the moment," he said.

So far, his inspirational words have worked for the team. The Mariners have not lost since Ichiro's number retirement ceremony, reeling off wins in each of the three games following. That does not mean they won't lose another game all season. They'll come back to earth eventually. But with the right approach and consistency, there is a real opportunity for Seattle.

If the Mariners can take Ichiro's words to heart and seize the moment, they could find themselves making history in October.