It was his 39th birthday when he made his major league debut in 2007.
Athletics – Angels (5th Japan time, Auckland)
Angels catcher Kurt Suzuki, who will retire at the end of this season, started on the 4th (5th Japan time) against the Athletics as the 9th catcher. This day, which was his 39th birthday, was his last game as an active player. Although he was replaced in the middle when he took Kemp’s first ball at the beginning of the first inning, he received a standing ovation from his old fan.
A third-generation Japanese, Suzuki began his major league career with the Athletics in 2007. He has been with the Twins since 2015, the Braves since 2017, and helped the Nationals win the World Series in 2019.
He joined the Angels last season and formed a battery with pitcher Shohei Ohtani. “I don’t know if I’ll ever see a player like him. Standing on the same ground, being part of his special journey, being involved in what he does every day to break records. I think I’m blessed and honored to have been able to do that,” he said. His career total was 1,634 games, 1,421 hits, 143 homers, and 730 RBIs.