1995 Ichiro Suzuki Orix BlueWave Game-Used & Autographed Road Jersey

Ichiro Suzuki’s 1995 Orix BlueWave Jersey: A Testament to Baseball Excellence

An Iconic Piece of Baseball Memorabilia

In the realm of baseball memorabilia, few items hold as much reverence and historical significance as Ichiro Suzuki’s 1995 Orix BlueWave jersey. This extraordinary piece encapsulates the zenith of Suzuki’s career in Japan, where he established himself as a formidable force in the Pacific League. During his tenure with the Orix BlueWave from 1992 to 2000, Suzuki was a three-time Pacific League MVP and clinched seven consecutive batting titles, solidifying his status as a baseball legend.

The 1995 Season: A Year of Triumph

The 1995 season was a hallmark year for Ichiro Suzuki, as he dominated the league with unparalleled prowess. Wearing this very jersey, Suzuki led the league in stolen bases and RBIs, was crowned the batting champion, and received the prestigious league MVP award. His exceptional performance also earned him the Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize and the Matsutaro Shoriki Award. This jersey is not just a garment; it is a symbol of a season that defined Suzuki’s illustrious career.

Details of the Jersey

The jersey is adorned with intricate details that speak to its authenticity and significance:

• Manufacturer’s Tag: Inside the rear center tail is a “Mizuno” manufacturer’s tag, accompanied by a “95-” year tag and a player number “51” tag.
• Design: The chest proudly displays “ORIX” and the player number “51” in navy blue on yellow tackle twill. The back features the player name “ICHIRO” in yellow tackle twill sewn directly onto the navy blue jersey.
• Sleeve Embellishments: The left sleeve reads “BlueWave,” while the right sleeve bears “KOBE” and Japanese lettering, all in yellow stitching on navy blue tackle twill.

A Unique Provenance

This jersey holds a unique provenance, having been directly gifted to Julio Franco by Ichiro Suzuki himself. The jersey was signed by Suzuki in front of Franco in Japan, adding a personal touch to its storied history. Although JSA was inconclusive about the autograph, Grey Flannel Auctions stands firmly behind its authenticity. To ensure the winning bidder’s satisfaction, we offer the option to have the original autograph professionally removed and replaced with a new one through Mill Creek Sports, at no additional cost.

Significance in the World of Sports Memorabilia

This jersey is a rare gem in the world of sports memorabilia, accompanied by a photo-match of Ichiro wearing it and a signed letter of provenance detailing its lineage. To our knowledge, this is the first and only photo-matched Orix BlueWave jersey ever made publicly available, making it a highly coveted piece for any serious collector.

Ichiro Suzuki’s legacy extends beyond his achievements in Japan, as he went on to set the single-season hits record in Major League Baseball and earned numerous accolades, including the 2001 AL Rookie of the Year and AL MVP. His induction into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame and eventual place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame further cement his status as a baseball icon. This jersey is not just a piece of fabric; it is a testament to Suzuki’s enduring impact on the sport and a prized addition to any baseball collection.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.