Ichiro Joins MLB’s 3,000 Hit Club

Major League Baseball saw another milestone reached, Sunday, as 41-year-old Ichiro Suzuki notched his 3,000th career hit with a seventh-inning triple in the Miami Marlins' 10-7 win over the Colorado Rockies. 

Ichiro, who came to the states in 2001 after nine successful professional seasons in Japan, has been a star since joining the Seattle Mariners 16 years ago.

Winning both the AL MVP and Rookie of the Year awards in 2001, leading the league in hits seven times, leading the AL in batting average twice, being selected for 10 All-Star games, winning 10 Golden Glove awards and three Silver Slugger awards are just a handful of the tremendous accomplishments in the outfielders time in the states.

Having played so well for so long and with a few teams including the Mariners, New York Yankees and Marlins, many former teammates and fellow players around the league made it a point to offer congratulations to the newest member of the 3,000 hit club.

Earlier this season, Ichiro passed MLB Hit King Pete Rose for most career professional hits. While Rose's 4,256 MLB hits are still recognized as the top mark for a hitter in the history of the game, Ichiro's 4,278 total hits, which include 1,278 in Japan, are still extremely impressive.

All in all, the days events are welcomed from a baseball fans' standpoint. Ichiro has been a pillar of excellence throughout his career and has played the game with true grace and passion.

So, from this baseball fan, congrats on joining the club, Ichiro! It's been an honor to watch you play over the past 16 years.