SEATTLE — One of the most successful Mariners in the history of the team is now a New York Yankee.
Ichiro Suzuki was traded Monday in an exchange that sent minor league pitchers D.J. Mitchell and Danny Farquhar, as well as cash considerations, to the Mariners.
"First, I would like to express my gratitude to the fans," Ichiro said through his translator, during a Monday afternoon news conference.
Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln said Ichiro approached the team and asked to be traded several weeks ago, seattlepi.com first reported.
Ichiro appeared emotional while reading a prepared statement, and teared up and declined to answer the last question posed to him about what he'll miss the most about his time in Seattle.
The Mariners opened a three-game homestand against the Yankees on Monday night, where fans got their first look at Ichiro wearing a Yankees uniform.
Ichiro was given No. 31 because the number he wore his entire career with the Mariners, No. 51, has not been worn by a Yankee since four-time World Series champion Bernie Williams last played.
As Ichiro stepped up to bat for the first time as a Yankee, Seattle Mariners fans gave him an extended standing ovation. He removed his helmet and deliberatley bowed twice to the crowd before hitting a single and stealing second base.
Mitchell and Farquhar, meanwhile, are expected to report to AAA Tacoma, the Mariners said.
Ichiro leaves the Mariners as the team's all-time leader in five categories: batting average, triples, at-bats, hits and stolen bases.
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