Sep 22, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Ichiro Suzuki (31) scores on an RBI triple by New York Yankees designated hitter Jose Pirela (not pictured) during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Ichiro Suzuki reaches 3,000 hits, steals 500 bases and becomes the all-time hit king
The left-handed-swinging outfielder has led the league in hits seven times in his big league career. He only ever led once in stolen bases, but he is still the current active leader with 487. Those stolen bases, combined with his 2,844 career hits, make this a special season for Suzuki in 2015. He’s 156 hits away from 3,000 and only 13 away from 500 stolen bases.
Combined with the 1,278 he had in Japan before coming to the Seattle Mariners in 2001, Suzuki already has 4,122 hits in his career. This puts Suzuki 134 shy of tying Pete Rose’s 4,256 career hits.
Unfortunately, statistics from the two leagues are separate so Suzuki’s accomplishment will require an asterisk.