It was his 39th birthday when he made his major league debut in 2007.
Athletics – Angels (5th time in Japan, Auckland)
Angels receiver Kurt Suzuki, who will retire at the end of this season, started 4th (Japan’s 5th half) against Athletics as 9th receiver. This day, which was his 39th birthday, was his last game as an active player. Although he was substituted in the middle when he caught Kemp’s first ball early in the first inning, he got a standing ovation from an old fan.
Third generation Japanese, Suzuki began his major league career with Athletics in 2007. He has been with the Twins since 2015 and the Braves since 2017 and contributed to the Nationals victory in 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. Staying 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. He has had 1,634 career games, 1,421 hits, 143 homers and 730 RBI.
