The hottest ticket in Seattle this weekend is at T-Mobile Park, where the Mariners are honoring Ichiro Suzuki’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The highlight of the three-day celebration will come Saturday night, when Seattle’s beloved right fielder has his No. 51 retired by the team, joining Ken Griffey Jr.'s No. 24, Edgar Martinez’s No. 11 and Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 in center field.
Ichiro will also give an encore performance from his entertaining speech in Cooperstown two weeks ago, when he became the first Japanese player enshrined in the Hall.
The Mariners are offering their fans a chance to bring home a lasting collectible from Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, selling a commemorative ticket autographed by Ichiro. Limited to 1,000, the signed 3-inch by 7-inch ticket offer is available to season-ticket holders for $275.25.
The M’s will also have Ichiro’s Hall of Fame plaque on display for fans at both the Friday and Saturday games, offering a viewing spot on the right-field ramp.
The Mariners will wear an Ichiro Number Retirement patch on their hats and jerseys this weekend — just as they did when Griffey Jr. and Martinez had their numbers immortalized.
Kevin Jackson is the chief content officer for cllct, the premier company for collectible culture.