Shohei Ohtani was the most stunned person when it was announced that baseball superstar Ichiro Suzuki would be retiring following an incredible 19-year career. The former LA Angels player acknowledged believing his idol will play for eternity. He added that Ichiro was the primary motivator behind his decision to leave Japan and join the MLB.

During the 2019 Jackie Robinson Rookie Award of the Year interview, Ohtani talked with media as follows:

I still can't believe it" - When Shohei Ohtani was downhearted after idol Ichiro Suzuki's final on-field appearance

“When I woke up, I saw highlight footage on the internet,” Ohtani remarked via interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. “I still find it unbelievable.

Ohtani remarked, “He was always someone that I tried to emulate.”

“That won’t be changing. Though I won’t be able to watch him play anymore, I will always remember him doing it. People in my generation hold him in high regard.I have always looked up to Ichiro, even as a small child. He has always been someone I admire.”

At the age of 18, Ichiro Suzuki started his professional career in Japan with the Orix BlueWave. He soon rose to stardom, taking home three MVPs and seven Gold Gloves. After joining the Seattle Mariners in 2001, Ichiro stormed the MLB, winning MVP and Rookie of the Year awards with an incredible 262 hits.

Shohei Ohtani emotional after Ichiro Suzuki retires

Ichiro dazzled fans with his rocket arm and lightning speed, amassing 3,089 hits in the United States over the course of the following 19 seasons.

The 29-year-old Ohtani fell in love with baseball while watching Ichiro flourish for the Bluewave in the 1990s. Ohtani, who has won two AL MVP awards and recently inked a $700 million contract with the LA Dodgers, was inspired by Suzuki’s groundbreaking career. Ohtani will carry on Ichiro’s legacy in the future.

Shohei Ohtani surprises his fans by revealing that he is getting married.

Ichiro Suzuki and Shohei Ohtani share sweet moment before game – AsAmNews

This week, Shohei Ohtani shocked everyone by announcing his marriage to an unnamed Japanese woman. Ohtani informed his Instagram followers of this amazing news.

Ohtani, who is renowned for keeping his private affairs quiet, didn’t reveal a lot about his spouse. During their conversation, the two-way phenomenon stated:

Someone I hold in the highest regard. I wanted my recent marriage to be known to everyone.

The pair received well wishes from the public, and Shohei Ohtani—who is renowned for his ability to play both pitcher and hitter—will be anticipating his marriage and the 2024 MLB season.