Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro Suzuki is an All-Star center fielder for the Seattle Mariners.
In 2008, Ichiro won his eighth straight Gold Glove award for the Mariners as an outfielder. Fellow center fielder Torii Hunter also accomplished the feat in 2008. Suzuki has captured the award every season he has played in Major League Baseball.1
Ichiro is widely considered one of the premier hitters in Major League Baseball. In his first season in Major league baseball he accomplished the rare feat of winning the American League Rookie of the Year as well as the American League Most Valuable player.
Fast Facts
- Born October 22, 1973
- Birth Place: Kasugai, Japan
- Height: 6'9"
- Weight: 160 lbs
- Bats: Left
- Throws: Right
- 2000: Debuts with Seattle Mariners
- 2004: MLB Batting Champ
- Owns record for most hits in one season
- 2007 All-Star Starter
- 2007: All-Star Game MVP
Early Life
Ichiro Suzuki was born in Toyoyama, Nishikasugai, Aichi Prefecture, Japan on October 22, 1973. He would play nine seasons of professional Japanese baseball with the Orix Blue Wave. He would win Seven Gold Gloves, two Batting Titles and three straight Most Valuable player awards from 1994-1996.
MLB Pro Career
The rights to Ichiro Suzuki were placed up for posting by the Orix Blue Wave and the Seattle Mariners won the right to negotiate a contract with the Japanese star. Ichiro's major league debut would be on April 2, 2001 with the Seattle Mariners. He would become the first Japanese everyday player to play in Major League Baseball and in his first season he would be named the American League Rookie of the Year and the American League Most Valuable Player. In 2004, he would set the major league record for most hits in a single season, and in 2007, he would win the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player. Ichiro has established himself as one of the premier defenders as well as hitters ever to play the game. If one were to combine his Major League Baseball statistics, with his Japanese baseball statistics, his career would easily be considered among the greatest to play and has generated debate over his eventual consideration into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Eight Straight 200-hit seasons
On September 17, 2008, Suzuki hit a single in the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals. That hit gave Ichiro 200 hits for the 2008 MLB Season.
It is Suzuki's eighth straight season with at least 200 hits. He accomplished the feat of 200 hits in 2008 in 151 games.
The last player to accomplish 200 hits in eight straight seasons was Wee Willie Keeler who did it in 1901.2
Unnamed Mariners Player Resentment
In 2008, during the midst of a horrible season for the Mariners, a supposed clubhouse Insider reported that some players resented Ichiro's status on the team. Reportedly, the insider stated, "I just can't believe the number of guys who really dislike him. It got to a point early on when I thought they were going to get together and go after him." The identity of the insider was not revealed. Closer J.J. Putz, defended Ichiro, saying he never recalled an incident like that and called the supposed insider "a coward". Manager Jim Riggleman also called the insider "a rat".3
Ichiro Suzuki Timeline
- October 22, 1973: Born in Kasugai, Japan
- 1992: Debuts in Japan
- 2000: Signs with the Seattle Mariners, becoming the first Japanese position player in MLB
- 2001: American League Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player
- 2004: Sets multiple Major League Records for hitting
- 2007: All-Star Starter and MVP
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