David Samson has already signed Ichiro Suzuki once. And if given the opportunity, he’d do it again.
In a “The Sporting Class” episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out, that was released on Friday, the former Miami Marlins president discussed Suzuki’s recent Hall of Fame speech, in which he playfully mentioned his time in South Florida while namechecking Samson. And while the Nothing Personal host previously stated that the reference gave him PTSD, it’s also clear he harbors no ill will toward the Hall of Fame outfielder.
“My name was called out in a Hall of Fame acceptance speech by maybe the greatest player ever,” Samson said. “He could still play. I told him that this weekend. That if I were still running a team, he’d be one of 26. He prepares as much as anyone else.”
“I feel like that is both a great compliment to Ichiro and a great insult to your general managing abilities,” Torre joked.
“He won a World Series,” ex-ESPN president John Skipper pointed out in reference to the Marlins’ 2003 championship.
“He could still play…. If I were still running a team, he’d be one of 26.”@DavidPSamson says Ichiro STILL has it at age 51. Can you blame him? (@PabloTorre can) pic.twitter.com/s2WxQeiToz
— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) August 1, 2025
Samson proceeded to wax poetic about his time in Cooperstown, calling attention to the unique nature of the Baseball Hall of Fame. He urged anyone who has the opportunity to visit it to do so — especially if they are going to be personally referenced in one of the speeches.
As for his claim about rostering Ichiro at the age of 51, he’s not wrong that the 2001 MVP and Rookie of the Year’s preparation is legendary. But to Torre’s point, it’s worth noting that he had clearly lost a few steps by the end of his playing days, calling it a career after appearing in two games with the Seattle Mariners during the 2019 season at the age of 45.
Despite his business-minded approach, Samson is clearly sentimental and would surely see a marketing opportunity in sighing Suzuki, just as he did when he signed him in Miami ahead of his 3,000th career hit. Thus, it actually wouldn’t be surprising to see him try to re-sign Ichiro if given another opportunity to do so. And this time, the 10-time All-Star would actually even know who was on the other end of the phone.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.