Ichiro Suzuki Will Always Be a Seattle Mariner

Some stories can play out only a certain way.

For Ichiro Suzuki, that story unfolded in a picture-perfect manner during what may very well be his final at-bat ever at Safeco Field.

With the Marlins trailing the Mariners by six runs in the 9th inning, Ichiro came up to the plate and clubbed a solo shot to right-center field. The home run was Ichiro's first at Safeco Field since 2012, when he still played for Seattle.

The pro-Mariner crowd erupted in cheers, and chants of "Ichiro!" rang out from the stands as Ichiro's long ball landed in the bleachers.

The former Mariner is still a Seattle hero.

After 11 1/2 years as a Seattle Mariner, Ichiro left his mark. It doesn't matter if he's playing for the New York Yankees or Miami Marlins; he will always be a Mariner.

Ichiro proved that to be true on Wednesday, and the crowd reciprocated the feeling.

If this is indeed Ichiro's final at-bat at Safeco Field, there's no more fitting ending than this.