![Ichiro will be remembered as one of the greatest hitters in the sport. [Image via Keith Allison/Flickr]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/5/3/660x290/b_502x220x82/ichiro-will-be-remembered-as-one-of-the-greatest-hitters-in-the-sport-image-via-flickr_1969135.jpg "Ichiro will be remembered as one of the greatest hitters in the sport. [Image via Keith Allison/Flickr]")
ichiro Suzuki will always be remembered, in baseball history, as a legend. Not just for making the leap from Japan but for being one of the greatest hitters we will ever see. After the rumors surfaced, one of the greatest hitters will transition out of being an everyday player with the team to being a special assistant to the chairman of the Seattle Mariners, effective Thursday according to the team. Ichiro will provide mentorship to players and staff, as well as providing input on outfield play, hitting, and baserunning.
How will Ichiro be remembered?
Ichiro started playing professionally in 1992 as an 18-year-old as part of the Orix Blue Wave. In his nine years as a member of the team, he batted .353 with a .451 on-base percentage. People questioned how he would fare against major league pitching after deciding to go to the United States to continue his career. He signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2001 and immediately saw success. In his first season in the MLB, Ichiro led the majors with 242 hits, a Rookie of the Year title, as well as the American League MVP. That wouldn't be the most hits he would rack up in a single season, though, as in 2004, he managed to break the single-season hit record with 262 hits, which broke George Sisler's 1920 mark of 257 hits.That funky left-handed swing has led to 3,089 hits in his 18-year MLB career, giving him the most hits by an international player.
Will there ever be another Ichiro?
The short answer to the above question is simple: no.
There will never be another Japanese superstar that will dominate the United States on a level like Ichiro has. Some people believe Los Angeles Angels' Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani could, with his ability to be both a solid pitcher and a productive hitter. Ichiro managed to play 26 seasons combined and is regarded by some as baseball's best hitter, Ichiro ends his career with the rank of 21 for most hits in Major League Baseball history.
Ichiro played for the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees and Miami Marlins in his career but will always be immortalized for his success in Seattle. It is fitting he decided to retire as a Mariner since that is where he started and burst on the scene for the United States fans who were unfamiliar with his Japanese career. Ichiro had the ability to hit the baseball over the fence, hit for contact, have lightning-fast speed, an incredible throwing arm, and field his position out in right field. He showcased all the tools and will be immortalized in Cooperstown in the MLB Hall of Fame as soon as he is eligible in five years.
