This month's issue of ESPN The Magazine is its Special 10th Anniversary Issue, and it features Ichiro on the cover with the text: “For Making Singles Sexy and Taking Baseball Global, Ichiro is a Perfect 10”. Here is a link to a previous 8-page ESPN special feature on Ichiro. He is one of only a few people in all of sports who uses his first name on the back of his uniform, and why not? The man is simply amazing, a baseball living legend in Japan and in the United States. Here is a breakdown of some of his greatest feats since entering the league.
2001, his first year in the Major Leagues, was one for the record books. He led the league in batting average and stolen bases, which was last accomplished by Jackie Robinson. That year he earned League MVP, as well as Rookie of the Year honors.
In his seven years here, Ichiro has established himself as arguably the best hitter in the history of baseball. His 242 hits during his rookie season were the most by anyone since 1930, and the most ever by a rookie. In 2004 he set the all-time single season hits record with 262. He has accumulated over 200 hits in every season in the Major Leagues, which so far ties the all-time American League record. If he accumulates another 200 hits this season, he will tie a hits record that has stood for over one hundred years.
What many do not know is that Ichiro is also one of the best defensive players in baseball. He has a laser for a throwing arm, and has earned 7 straight Gold Glove Awards, one for every season he has been in the league. Finally, it kind of goes without saying, but Ichiro has also made the All-Star game every single season he has been in the Major Leagues, and was the All-Star game MVP last year.
Posted by Alvin at March 24, 2008 7:15 PM
3 Comments
Leave a comment
I have to say I love Ichiro, ever since he was in Japan.
He's a star, a hero, an idol, and a great baseball player, but I have to say, he's a snob.
Did you know that he makes his wife cook curry for him everyday? Has a different designer bag for everyday? and Has a LV collar for his shiba?
and does he really belong in Asian America?
Ichiro is an idol to just about anybody who loves baseball. He doesn't make Yumiko cook for him, that is how Japanese partnerships work. His idea of social leadership is based on cultural momentum for achievers. Such people are needed. He's not Roberto Clemente, it's true. He's not reaching out to alleviate poverty, but many of the people who he inspires are, and his gift is in the ability to demonstrate achievement. Too many people with generous ideas do not develop their gifts enough to have impact.