Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Ichiro had the most backhanded compliment for Marlins during Hall of Fame speech

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Jul 27, 2025 6:36 PM ET

Ichiro Suzuki delivered an amazing speech as he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, and it even included a surprising swipe at one of his own former teams.

During the iconic speech, Ichiro took the time to thank each of of the three MLB teams that he played for across his 19 MLB seasons. When he arrived at the Miami Marlins, he made a hilarious wisecrack about how he had never heard of the team before they offered him a contract in 2015.

“And to the Miami Marlins: I appreciate David Samson and Mike Hill for coming today. Honestly, when you guys called to offer me a contract for 2015, I had never heard of your team,” Ichiro joked.

"And to the Miami Marlins–

Honestly, when you guys called to offer me a contract for 2015…

I had never heard of your Team." pic.twitter.com/3TszuOJIVR
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 27, 2025

Many were surprised to hear Ichiro deliver his speech in English, as he almost always used an interpreter in interviews during and after his playing career. The fact that the 51-year-old was able to entertain the crowd while not speaking in his native language made the speech even more iconic.

While thanking the New York Yankees, Ichiro had a funny comment about how his former teammates were only there to support CC Sabathia, who was also being inducted into Cooperstown.

Ichiro thanked the Yankees in his Hall of Fame speech:

"I know you guys are really here today for CC, but that's okay. He deserves your love."

(via @MLBNetwork) pic.twitter.com/K9DEZRXRAg
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) July 27, 2025

Ichiro is one of the greatest hitters in MLB history, and fans have enjoyed seeing the less serious side of him in recent months. Earlier this year, he also took a hilarious shot at the lone Hall of Fame voter who snubbed him. Ichiro called out the voter again during his speech on Sunday.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: