Mar 19, 2025 - Apr 5, 2025
From 1992 to 2019, Japanese legend Ichiro Suzuki captivated baseball fans from two continents. His bat was a magic wand, his glove a suction cup, and his arm a torpedo as the superstar right-fielder amassed 4,367 hits (NPB & MLB combined), nine batting titles (7 NPB), four MVPs (3 NPB), and 10 straight Gold Gloves. By the time Ichiro signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2001 at the age of 27, he had already put together a Hall of Fame worthy career in Japan. He promptly took home AL Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors in his first MLB season on his way to 3,000+ hits and 500+ stolen bases in the big leagues. In July 2025, Ichiro will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in his first year of eligibility.
Ichiro swung this offered Mizuno ‘51’ pro model bat during the 2012 season right up until his last game with the Mariners – or so everyone thought it would be. The bat has been conclusively photo-matched to a 2-for-5 (double, run scored) performance against the Royals in KC on July 19. Three days later, he broke the bat on a groundout against the Rays, according to MLB Authentication. After that July 22 game in Tampa, the Mariners traded Ichiro to the Yankees, ending his storied 12-year run in Seattle. Mariner fans were devastated and thought they’d only get to see #51 again as a visiting player. Luckily for them, he returned to Seattle six years later to finish up his career; although he only saw action in 17 games and 53 at-bats in 2018 and ’19 combined.
Measuring 33.3" and weighing 30.8 ounces with an all-black finish, this fine Ichiro gamer – initially branded as his “Final Game as a Mariner” bat – exhibits outstanding use with ball marks and stitch impressions on the barrel. One ball left a perfect blue paint transfer of the MLB logo on the back barrel. There is a heavy coat of pine tar on the upper handle and cleat marks are visible on the left barrel. The lower handle crack has been repaired. Ichiro has autographed the barrel in bold silver marker with “#51, 12 GU, Mariners 01-12, 7-22-12” inscribed. The bat’s model number and year code on the knob are obstructed by the MLB hologram sticker.
Paperwork includes: LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA with GU 9.5 grade; Mill Creek COA signed by Ichiro; MLB Authentication (EK006908) hologram for 7/22/2012 game use; photo-match paperwork (4 pages) from MatchDocs; PSA/DNA LOA for signature and inscription.
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