On July 27, Ichiro Suzuki became the first Japanese-born position player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Just days later, Seattle retired his jersey and celebrated “Ichiro Hall of Fame Weekend” at T-Mobile Park.
Listening to Ichiro’s heartfelt speeches where he reminisced about his early days with the Mariners, we couldn’t help but reflect on our own history with him. As the Mariners’ advertising agency starting in 1999, we produced annual campaigns featuring players for two decades. That gave us a front-row seat to Ichiro’s incredible journey: from the excitement of his signing, to the heartbreak of his trade to the Yankees, and finally, the joy of his 2018 return to Seattle.
To honor his achievement, a few of us shared some personal stories and lessons we’ve carried with us, thanks to Ichiro. And, we’ve sprinkled in a few of his finest performances!
In 2002, fresh off his Rookie of the Year and MVP season, I was part of the crew filming the Mariners’ now-legendary commercials. The moment Ichiro stepped on set, I knew we were in the presence of a star. He was polite, all business, but he carried an undeniable aura.
That year’s spot was inspired by Tiger Woods’ iconic Nike ad, where Tiger bounced a golf ball on his club before crushing it. Our version had Ichiro bouncing a baseball on his bat, then launching it into the outfield. But here’s the twist: Ichiro would sprint to the outfield and catch the very ball he had just hit, showcasing his speed, skill, and swagger.
He nailed it almost immediately. At one point, he even “plussed” the script by catching the ball behind his back, circus-style. Deadpan, he turned to the camera and delivered his one line: 'Not bad, huh.'
Two takes. That’s all it took. In that moment, it was obvious: Ichiro wasn’t just a great player. He was transcendent.
—Chris Copacino, Executive Director, Business Development
When Ichiro came to Seattle and played that first season in Safeco Field, I remember watching him on deck and in the outfield. It was mesmerizing. Baseball is a sport with a lot of downtime. And wow, Ichiro really put that downtime to work. He was always stretching, always moving, always getting ready for his moment. He’s the epitome of “if you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready.”
I try to carry that with me every day because in this business, you never know what curveball might be coming your way!
—Lianne Onart, Group Creative Director
Before Ichiro came to the U.S., he was already a superstar in Japan with nine years of dominance for the Orix Blue Wave. Yet he wasn’t satisfied. He wanted to prove himself on the world’s biggest stage and pave the way for other Japanese players to follow.
That boldness inspires me to step outside my comfort zone, even when things are going well. And as a woman in this industry, I think about how I can smooth the path for others behind me.
—Cameron Wicker, New Business Marketing Manager
“I think there’s a sexiness in infield hits because they require technique,” Ichiro once said.
He wasn’t about towering home runs. He believed in the power of singles—the consistency, the precision, the grind.
In our industry, it’s tempting to chase the “grand slams” of new clients and big campaigns. But Ichiro reminds me it’s really about showing up every day, delivering consistently, and celebrating the small wins. That’s how the big victories come. As an agency, I love how we celebrate the effort and the small wins, too.
—Shayna Stevermer, Senior Account Executive
When I joined Copacino in 2004, I knew Ichiro was a star. I just didn’t realize how big until my first Mariners shoot, where a mob of international paparazzi followed his every move.
What stood out most over the years wasn’t his fame, though. It was how much he just wanted to be one of the guys, and a great teammate to every single player in that dugout. He also had a work ethic that never let up. Even on set, he gave it his all. He was self-conscious about his English, but determined to nail every line for us and for the fans who looked forward to his spots every year.
And of course, he was otherworldly with a bat. In one commercial, we planned to fake Ichiro hitting a Tic Tac. Just a little camera trick and sound effect. But when the pitcher tossed him one, we heard a sharp tick at the swing of the bat. The set went silent. I asked, “Did you just hit that?” He grinned: “Yeah.” Then he went three-for-four on Tic Tacs. A .750 average. Not too shabby.
—Mike Hayward, Chief Creative Officer
It was in the quarter of Shinjuku, in the narrow lanes of Golden Gai, that I experienced what I have since called my “Ichiro moment.”
The place itself is composed of winding alleys scarcely broad enough for two people to walk next to each other, lined with tiny bars, each admitting just a handful of patrons. My wife and I entered one establishment where six locals were already gathered. A full house.
No sooner had they discerned from our conversation that we hailed from Seattle than a sudden exclamation rose among them, “Ichiro!” they cried, almost in unison, their faces filled with delight. It was an immediate fraternity: cups were raised, toasts exchanged, and we drank to each other’s countries, to the Mariners, and above all, to the man who had inspired such harmony.
It impressed upon me how deeply Ichiro, through his talent and the esteem he commands, could unite strangers, from totally different worlds, in a moment of comradery and joy.
—Scott Foreman, Chief Executive Officer
