Mariners' Ichiro Sets Record With 10 Straight 200-hit Seasons

Just call him Batman.

Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki set a Major League Baseball record by becoming the first player to record 10 consecutive 200-hit seasons, breaking his own record with a single into center field in the fifth inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, reports ESPN.

After the record-breaking hit, his teammates came to the top of the dugout to applaud and the star received a standing ovation from the crowd.

"After I accomplished 200 hits and I looked to the dugout, everyone was celebrating, everyone was very happy. They were showing congratulatory feelings," he said through a translator. "That's when I finally felt I could express my feelings in a good way and say I'm happy for what I've achieved."

Ichiro's 200 hits lead MLB, making this the seventh year he's earned that distinction. He surpassed Willie Keeler, who had nine consecutive seasons of 200 or more hits from 1894 to 1901. He also holds the single season hits record with 262.

Suzuki now has more 200-hit seasons that any player in American League history, breaking a record he shared with Ty Cobb. Pete Rose is the only other player in Major League History to have 10 seasons of 200 or more hits.

Ichiro, who has shown flashes of power throughout his career, has a season high home run total of 15. When asked if he could imagine hitting 50 homers, he joked that he could probably see himself making 50 saves before he could seem himself smacking 50 dingers.

The Japanese star is more than just a hit machine, though. He also has nine Golden Gloves to his credit.

Selected Reading: ESPN, Reuters, MLB.com

Contact Us