[Lefty Noob]

In yesterday's Seattle loss, Ichiro Suzuki set a new American League single-season record by stealing his 33rd straight base. He also collected his 200th hit, extending his own Major League record to six straight 200-hit seasons. As Mariners manager Mike Hargrove told reporters after the game, "'He's got an incredible ability to put the ball in play and swing the bat very well... He does it so well and so consistently that people take it for granted that he's going to get 200 hits and they don't realize how absolutely difficult that is. If it were easier, there'd be a whole lot of people doing it and there aren't."

So, just how good is Ichiro, historically speaking, and do we take his abilities for granted?

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

In yesterday's Seattle loss, Ichiro Suzuki set a new American League single-season record by stealing his 33rd straight base. He also collected his 200th hit, extending his own Major League record to six straight 200-hit seasons. As Mariners manager Mike Hargrove told reporters after the game, "'He's got an incredible ability to put the ball in play and swing the bat very well... He does it so well and so consistently that people take it for granted that he's going to get 200 hits and they don't realize how absolutely difficult that is. If it were easier, there'd be a whole lot of people doing it and there aren't."

So, just how good is Ichiro, historically speaking, and do we take his abilities for granted?

Yes...we take him for granted look at the post at the begining of the year...people on this board we were giving up on him...Legend said he was over-rated...but this guy is a Hall of Famer 1st ballot as far as I am concern...you can't penalize him for the great career he had in Japan when he comes over and keeps hitting at the same clip.

[MJHMarc]

He may not be a big homerun hitter or run producer but I can count on him to get on-base unlike most sluggers out there.

I still can't imagine how he hits the ball with that wild swing of his! He basically is halfway on his way to first when he makes contact.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

He may not be a big homerun hitter or run producer but I can count on him to get on-base unlike most sluggers out there.

I still can't imagine how he hits the ball with that wild swing of his! He basically is halfway on his way to first when he makes contact.

I think if you look at some of the old hitters...like Joe D...they took pride in making contact and not striking out...today's players don't care...they rack up 150 K's going for the long ball...

Joe D struck out almost as much time as he hit a homer...a really low ratio...Ichiro likes to make contact...and he is fast = 200 hits...