1Ichiro Suzuki
No. 1 — Ichiro Suzuki. On the lists of 6 of 6 AIs; median place there: 1. The AIs put Ichiro first for the most pro hits ever, years of batting titles in both leagues, and the best MLB bWAR.
Did you know
In high school Ichiro was mainly a pitcher because of his very strong arm. He batted .505 with 19 home runs there. In 2015, at age 41, he finally pitched in an MLB game, finishing an inning and allowing one run.
- What it is
- A hitter who starred in Japan, then in Seattle.
- Its edge
- Highest MLB bWAR of the three, at 60.0.
- Who should know
- Useful if you want to know who has the most total hits ever.
- MLB bWAR and NPB titles60.0 bWAR
Did you know
Ichiro's name on his jersey came from a 1994 change: he began wearing "Ichiro" instead of "Suzuki". He first disliked it and felt embarrassed. That same year he became the first NPB player with over 200 hits in a season, with 210.
History
In 2001, Ichiro crossed from Japan to Seattle as the first Japanese position player in the Majors. He quickly silenced doubts, winning both AL Rookie of the Year and AL MVP that season. — (voice only)
Keep in mind
He never played in a World Series. A Vice piece says no player in a Mariners uniform ever has, so he has no big October moment to match Matsui's.
Some writers said his value was mostly batting average, with little power and few walks. A 2012 column noted his on-base percentage trailed Bobby Abreu's by 30 points.
Where to go further
Open his Hall of Fame profile first. Read the short summary, then the career stats: 3,089 MLB hits and 10 Gold Glove Awards. He entered the Hall in 2025.
