OT: 4000 Hits for Suzuki

[Jay Wolt]

In this age of PED's and w/ all the other problems w/ baseball, its good to see some players who "get it" and who have appreciation of the game. He's a joy to watch.

[the 'stache]

The funny thing about Ichiro is he probably has as much natural power as the guys hitting 30-40 home runs a season now. His batting practice exploits are near legend. He hits one pitch after another into the seats without breaking a sweat.

[conor912]

Anyone know if they keep track of how many of those hits are legged out infield hits? I bet the number is staggering.

[ctownboy]

From what I have heard, Ichiro has at least 600 infield hits in his career.

David

Edited to add, I think he leads the AL in infield hits this year.

[RCMcKenzie]

...

[itjclarke]

Congrats to Ichiro, he's the man!

I've loved Ichiro from the day he signed and many many guys, like Griffey were doubting he'd be an MLB hitter... I think Junior said something like- "he can't hit, cuz he ain't got no booty". From day one of his MLB career, he silenced his doubters, and in doing so brought back a style of slap hitting/speed that seemed to by dying in MLB at the time. I also dig the guy's style... his weird front handed bat raise before the pitch, little outfield stretches, and the great running start swing.

I think his importance to the game will only grow in retirement, because culturally/racially was a grounbreaking player. Before Ichiro, there were no notable Asian born/raised position players in MLB, post Ichiro the list grows every year.. and so hopefully will his legend.

[Rickyy]

As we say back home in Japan... Omedetou Ichiro!

Ricky Y