Seattle Mariners former outfielder Ichiro Suzuki throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at T-Mobile Park. Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners Legends Ichiro and Randy Johnson Go Viral For Heartwarming Moment

Originally posted on Seattle Mariners on SI
By Brady Farkas | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 12:30 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners had a great weekend at T-Mobile Park in many respects.

First, the M's swept the Tampa Bay Rays to complete a 9-1 homestand and move within 0.5 games of first place in the American League West. They also assumed the top wild card spot over the Boston Red Sox. Seattle hasn't been to the playoffs since the 2022 season, and is well positioned to get there with 43 games to play. They are 66-53, a season-high 13 games over .500.

Secondly, the Mariners also honored Baseball Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki on Saturday night by retiring his No. 51. He joins Ken Griffey Jr. (24), Edgar Martinez (11) and Jackie Robinson (42) as the only players to have their numbers retired by the organization.

Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Thirdly, Mariners fans got a chance to see Randy Johnson and Ichiro share multiple special moments. Johnson has had a seemingly frosty relationship with the organization for years, but that seems to be thawing, and he will have his No. 51 retired in a special ceremony next season.

Johnson attended Ichiro's ceremony on Saturday along with fellow team Hall of Famers Griffey, Martinez, Felix Hernandez, Alvin Davis, Jay Buhner and Dan Wilson, as well as Marilyn Niehaus, the wife of late broadcaster Dave Niehaus.

Johnson then caught the ceremonial first pitch from Ichiro on Sunday and two posed for a special "51" picture.

Two No. 51’s.
Ichiro Suzuki throws out the first pitch to fellow Hall of Famer Randy Johnson.
Suzuki had his No. 51 retired by the Mariners yesterday, and Johnson will have his No. 51 retired next season.#Mariners #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/iVHD73xzw9
— Teren Kowatsch (@Teren_Kowatsch) August 10, 2025