The summer of 2025 has been a significant milestone for baseball legend Ichiro Suzuki. Just weeks after his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Seattle Mariners further commemorated his legacy by retiring his jersey number, a rare honor that places him among the franchise’s elite. Suzuki, who recorded 2,542 hits, 633 RBI, and 99 home runs during his illustrious 14-year career in Seattle, joins a select group of players whose numbers have been retired by the team, including Ken Griffey Jr. (No. 24), Edgar Martinez (No. 11), and Jackie Robinson (No. 42).
The announcement of Suzuki’s number retirement came as the Mariners celebrated his contributions to the sport. His impact transcends statistics, embodying the spirit and passion of baseball in the Pacific Northwest. The event drew a substantial crowd, highlighting Suzuki’s enduring popularity and the deep connection he forged with fans.
In recognition of Suzuki’s achievements, a quiz has emerged focusing on the Wins Above Replacement (WAR) statistic, which gauges a player’s contributions relative to a replacement-level player. The quiz invites participants to identify the leaders in WAR from the American League each season since 1995. This initiative not only honors Suzuki but also engages baseball enthusiasts and encourages them to reflect on the game’s history.
The quiz includes a range of players, with recent leaders such as Aaron Judge (2024, New York Yankees, 10.8 WAR) and Shohei Ohtani (2023, Los Angeles Angels, 10.0 WAR). Historically, Ichiro Suzuki himself recorded a notable 9.2 WAR in 2004, a figure that highlights his exceptional performance during his tenure with the Mariners.
As the quiz unfolds, participants can expect to recall a memorable roster of baseball talent. From Roger Clemens in 1997 (Toronto Blue Jays, 12.1 WAR) to Randy Johnson in 1995 (Seattle Mariners, 8.6 WAR), the list showcases the evolution of player performance over the years.
The Mariners’ tribute to Suzuki serves as a reminder of the profound impact he had on the game and the legacy he leaves behind. Fans and players alike are encouraged to participate in the quiz and celebrate the rich history of baseball that Suzuki represents.
For those interested in more quizzes, feedback and suggestions can be sent to [email protected]. Subscribers can also access daily quizzes via the Quiz of the Day Newsletter for ongoing engagement with the sport.