Suzuki returns to Seattle as member of 3,000-hit club

Miami Marlins' Ichiro Suzuki tips his cap after being honored by Seattle Mariners players and executives for his 3,000 hit milestone in a pre-game ceremony before a baseball game against the Mariners, his former team, Monday, April 17, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Miami Marlins' Ichiro Suzuki tips his cap after being honored by Seattle Mariners players and executives for his 3,000 hit milestone in a pre-game ceremony before a baseball game against the Mariners, his former team, Monday, April 17, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

By Associated Press April 17, 2017 1 min read

SEATTLE (AP) – Ichiro Suzuki received a rousing ovation Monday for his first at-bat in Safeco Field as a member of the 3,000-hit club.

The Japanese star spent his first 11 1/2 American seasons with Seattle, getting 2,533 hits before heading to the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins.

He batted ninth for Miami on Monday in his first appearance at Safeco since June 12, 2014, when he was with the Yankees.

With the Mariners leading 3-0, Suzuki grounded out to second to end the third inning.

The 43-year-old got his 3,000th career hit last season, and the Mariners had a pregame video tribute for him on the scoreboard, followed by an introduction at home plate with several former Seattle teammates. Suzuki also had 1,278 hits in nine seasons in Japan.