Ichiro Suzuki, born on the 22nd October 1973, is a Japanese professional baseball player currently playing in the Major League Baseball(MLB) for the Miami Marlins.
So how much is Ichiro’s net worth? As of mid-2016, it is reported by authoritative sources to be $90 million, gained mostly from his long career as an athlete in Japan and the United States.
Ichiro Suzuki Net Worth $90 Million
Born in Kasugai, Japan and growing up in Toyoyama, Ichiro began playing baseball at a very young age because of his father, Nobuyuki, who was a baseball player in his early years. The two trained tirelessly, and at the age of seven he was able to join his first baseball league.
Ichiro continued training with his father, and at the age of 12 he was accepted into the prestigious Aikodai Meiden Koko high school baseball program. After performing well in high school, he entered the Pacific League in Japan at the age of 18.
Although his professional career in baseball was slow to grow because of his physique and unusual style of playing, finally in 1994 a new coach at Orix Blue Wave gave him a chance to play, and he surprised everyone with his performance. During his time playing in Japan, he won three most Valuable Player Awards and six batting titles. His recognitions made him a well-known player in Japan and also helped his wealth.
In 2001, Orix Blue Wave allowed a blind bidding for Ichiro from teams in the MLB in the United States, and after submission of offers from various teams, the Seattle Mariners won the bidding war and signed Ichiro for a three-year contract. Ichiro’s career catapulted to a new level and his net worth increased tremendously.
Upon entering the MBL scene, Ichiro did not disappoint fans and continued his outstanding performances. He gain several recognitions including winning the American League batting title, named to the All-Star team, and became the American League MVP and Rookie of the Year. While playing for the Seattle Mariners, he also won several Gold Glove Awards and Silver Slugger Award.
In 2012 he was traded to the New York Yankees, but only stayed for two and a half season. He is currently playing for the Miami Marlins. His many accolades and record-breaking performances made him one of the most popular players, not just in his hometown in Japan but also in the United States. Ichiro is also in the running to record 3,000 hits, and will join the few baseball greats who have achieved that milestone.
Aside from playing baseball, Ichiro also gives back by being the chairman of the Ichiro Cup, a league for boys that lasts up to six months, held in his home country in Japan.
In terms of his personal life, Ichiro married TV host Yumiko Fukushima in 1999 in California. The couple has no children and is currently based in Washington.
