Comments on: Could Ichiro Suzuki Break the All-Time Hit Record? http://seamheads.com/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/ Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:40:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Tom Stone http://seamheads.com/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/comment-page-1/#comment-29262 Tom Stone Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:42:51 +0000 http://seamheads.com/blog/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/#comment-29262 <a href='#comment-28834' rel="nofollow">@DoesntCount</a> - Thanks for your comment. Except I realize the differences -- that is why I wrote "Before I continue, I want to grant the obvious: adding together statistics from MLB and Japan is not really legitimate, because just about everyone would admit the talent level, overall, is greater in the majors." Also, as others in the comments noted... Ichiro's hitting pace *actually increased* when he came over from Japan to Seattle. So while generally I agree that the level of competition in Japan is lower, in this case... the facts don't bear that out. It seems logical that Ichiro would have had lots of hits in MLB had he started here as a youngster instead of in his 8th season. Exactly how many is open to debate, but it is an interesting question. He was a good hitter in Japan, and has been good hitter in the US.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('29262','Tom Stone'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('29262','Tom Stone','<a href=\'#comment-28834\' rel=\"nofollow\">@DoesntCount<\/a> - Thanks for your comment. Except I realize the differences -- that is why I wrote \"Before I continue, I want to grant the obvious: adding together statistics from MLB and Japan is not really legitimate, because just about everyone would admit the talent level, overall, is greater in the majors.\" \r\n\r\nAlso, as others in the comments noted... Ichiro\'s hitting pace *actually increased* when he came over from Japan to Seattle. So while generally I agree that the level of competition in Japan is lower, in this case... the facts don\'t bear that out. It seems logical that Ichiro would have had lots of hits in MLB had he started here as a youngster instead of in his 8th season. Exactly how many is open to debate, but it is an interesting question. He was a good hitter in Japan, and has been good hitter in the US.'); return false;">Quote</a></div> @DoesntCount – Thanks for your comment. Except I realize the differences — that is why I wrote “Before I continue, I want to grant the obvious: adding together statistics from MLB and Japan is not really legitimate, because just about everyone would admit the talent level, overall, is greater in the majors.”

Also, as others in the comments noted… Ichiro’s hitting pace *actually increased* when he came over from Japan to Seattle. So while generally I agree that the level of competition in Japan is lower, in this case… the facts don’t bear that out. It seems logical that Ichiro would have had lots of hits in MLB had he started here as a youngster instead of in his 8th season. Exactly how many is open to debate, but it is an interesting question. He was a good hitter in Japan, and has been good hitter in the US.

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]]> By: DoesntCount http://seamheads.com/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/comment-page-1/#comment-28834 DoesntCount Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:26:07 +0000 http://seamheads.com/blog/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/#comment-28834 I'm sorry but it doesn't count the same. I realize that there are less games played in Japan but the competition is entirely different in U.S. in MLB. Ichiro has been an amazing player but the elements and competition make it a completely different animal than Japan. He might pass Pete Rose's mark between both leagues but he isn't the all-time hit king because he played a bunch of games and accumulated stats in a league that is inferior to MLB.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('28834','DoesntCount'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('28834','DoesntCount','I\'m sorry but it doesn\'t count the same. I realize that there are less games played in Japan but the competition is entirely different in U.S. in MLB. Ichiro has been an amazing player but the elements and competition make it a completely different animal than Japan. He might pass Pete Rose\'s mark between both leagues but he isn\'t the all-time hit king because he played a bunch of games and accumulated stats in a league that is inferior to MLB.'); return false;">Quote</a></div> I’m sorry but it doesn’t count the same. I realize that there are less games played in Japan but the competition is entirely different in U.S. in MLB. Ichiro has been an amazing player but the elements and competition make it a completely different animal than Japan. He might pass Pete Rose’s mark between both leagues but he isn’t the all-time hit king because he played a bunch of games and accumulated stats in a league that is inferior to MLB.
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]]> By: NPB http://seamheads.com/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/comment-page-1/#comment-25706 NPB Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:24:04 +0000 http://seamheads.com/blog/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/#comment-25706 As people have already mentioned, it's silly to discount Ichiro's NPB (Japan) statistics when considering the shorter seasons played there. As of the end of the 2011 season, Ichiro has averaged 221 hits per season in MLB. He only averaged 177 hits per season in his 7 full seasons in NPB. His current MLB total hits: 2428 221 * 7 = 1547 1547 + 2428 = 3975 Had Ichiro started his career in the Majors, he'd likely surpass Rose BEFORE his 40th birthday.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('25706','NPB'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('25706','NPB','As people have already mentioned, it\'s silly to discount Ichiro\'s NPB (Japan) statistics when considering the shorter seasons played there. \r\n\r\nAs of the end of the 2011 season, Ichiro has averaged 221 hits per season in MLB.\r\n\r\nHe only averaged 177 hits per season in his 7 full seasons in NPB.\r\n\r\nHis current MLB total hits: 2428\r\n\r\n221 * 7 = 1547\r\n\r\n1547 + 2428 = 3975\r\n\r\nHad Ichiro started his career in the Majors, he\'d likely surpass Rose BEFORE his 40th birthday.'); return false;">Quote</a></div> As people have already mentioned, it’s silly to discount Ichiro’s NPB (Japan) statistics when considering the shorter seasons played there.

As of the end of the 2011 season, Ichiro has averaged 221 hits per season in MLB.

He only averaged 177 hits per season in his 7 full seasons in NPB.

His current MLB total hits: 2428

221 * 7 = 1547

1547 + 2428 = 3975

Had Ichiro started his career in the Majors, he’d likely surpass Rose BEFORE his 40th birthday.

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]]> By: ron http://seamheads.com/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/comment-page-1/#comment-21201 ron Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:56:35 +0000 http://seamheads.com/blog/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/#comment-21201 Ichiro is the best hitter in baseball, its' too bad that he doesn't play in LA, New York or Boston because he'd be a household name in North America. Playing on a dismal Seattle Mariners team since 2001, Ichiro needs to relocate somewhere once his contract expires. He's too good to be playing on such a weak team. He's not a young man and padding his playoff stats is a good way to ensure a hall of fame seat, even though, in my opinion, Ichiro would be elected to any baseball hall of fame that has knowledge of the game. Pete Rose was a very good hitter on a very good team, put Ichiro with some decent players and his hits, stolen bases, rbis, onbase percentage would drastically increase and so would his namesake. Ichiro best player alive, pound for pound.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('21201','ron'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('21201','ron','Ichiro is the best hitter in baseball, its\' too bad that he doesn\'t play in LA, New York or Boston because he\'d be a household name in North America. Playing on a dismal Seattle Mariners team since 2001, Ichiro needs to relocate somewhere once his contract expires. He\'s too good to be playing on such a weak team. He\'s not a young man and padding his playoff stats is a good way to ensure a hall of fame seat, even though, in my opinion, Ichiro would be elected to any baseball hall of fame that has knowledge of the game. Pete Rose was a very good hitter on a very good team, put Ichiro with some decent players and his hits, stolen bases, rbis, onbase percentage would drastically increase and so would his namesake. Ichiro best player alive, pound for pound.'); return false;">Quote</a></div> Ichiro is the best hitter in baseball, its’ too bad that he doesn’t play in LA, New York or Boston because he’d be a household name in North America. Playing on a dismal Seattle Mariners team since 2001, Ichiro needs to relocate somewhere once his contract expires. He’s too good to be playing on such a weak team. He’s not a young man and padding his playoff stats is a good way to ensure a hall of fame seat, even though, in my opinion, Ichiro would be elected to any baseball hall of fame that has knowledge of the game. Pete Rose was a very good hitter on a very good team, put Ichiro with some decent players and his hits, stolen bases, rbis, onbase percentage would drastically increase and so would his namesake. Ichiro best player alive, pound for pound.
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]]> By: Aalaf Alot http://seamheads.com/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/comment-page-1/#comment-15598 Aalaf Alot Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:47:39 +0000 http://seamheads.com/blog/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/#comment-15598 Actually, I would rather see Ichiro Suzuki have a 300 Hit season than trying to catch up to Pete Rose all time hits. Also, beating all time consecutive hitting streak too.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('15598','Aalaf Alot'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('15598','Aalaf Alot','Actually, I would rather see Ichiro Suzuki have a 300 Hit season than trying to catch up to Pete Rose all time hits.\r\n\r\nAlso, beating all time consecutive hitting streak too.'); return false;">Quote</a></div> Actually, I would rather see Ichiro Suzuki have a 300 Hit season than trying to catch up to Pete Rose all time hits.

Also, beating all time consecutive hitting streak too.

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]]> By: Larkin, Kevin http://seamheads.com/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/comment-page-1/#comment-13848 Larkin, Kevin Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:27:29 +0000 http://seamheads.com/blog/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/#comment-13848 Rose will admit he was not the most talented of players. The best thing about Ichiro's numbers is they got better when he joined Seattle. This examplifes the fact that real baseball is played overseas and not the roid smash style in the MLB. He has found those holes that lumbering defenses give up. If the HOF are going to let players, without real stats, who never played a MLB game in the HOF. I think the proven stats of his Japan play should count to the HOF. It's not his fault he didn't get to play in Seattle earlier but Ted Williams and other lost possible records due to war. He has 2000 now just under Kendall. No choice who you would rather have. Jeter has about 2,700 and is no where near the bat Ichiro is or as fast and most certainlt not in his class defensively. Pujols maybe the guy most fear but Ichiro is the most prolific hitter<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('13848','Larkin, Kevin'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('13848','Larkin, Kevin','Rose will admit he was not the most talented of players. The best thing about Ichiro\'s numbers is they got better when he joined Seattle. This examplifes the fact that real baseball is played overseas and not the roid smash style in the MLB. He has found those holes that lumbering defenses give up. If the HOF are going to let players, without real stats, who never played a MLB game in the HOF. I think the proven stats of his Japan play should count to the HOF. It\'s not his fault he didn\'t get to play in Seattle earlier but Ted Williams and other lost possible records due to war. He has 2000 now just under Kendall. No choice who you would rather have. Jeter has about 2,700 and is no where near the bat Ichiro is or as fast and most certainlt not in his class defensively. Pujols maybe the guy most fear but Ichiro is the most prolific hitter'); return false;">Quote</a></div> Rose will admit he was not the most talented of players. The best thing about Ichiro’s numbers is they got better when he joined Seattle. This examplifes the fact that real baseball is played overseas and not the roid smash style in the MLB. He has found those holes that lumbering defenses give up. If the HOF are going to let players, without real stats, who never played a MLB game in the HOF. I think the proven stats of his Japan play should count to the HOF. It’s not his fault he didn’t get to play in Seattle earlier but Ted Williams and other lost possible records due to war. He has 2000 now just under Kendall. No choice who you would rather have. Jeter has about 2,700 and is no where near the bat Ichiro is or as fast and most certainlt not in his class defensively. Pujols maybe the guy most fear but Ichiro is the most prolific hitter
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]]> By: Joe http://seamheads.com/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/comment-page-1/#comment-13196 Joe Tue, 21 Jul 2009 06:23:05 +0000 http://seamheads.com/blog/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/#comment-13196 Why would you include Ichiro's hits as a player in Japan, but not Rose's hits as a player in the minor leagues? Rose had over 400 hits in the minors, so Ichiro would still need much more than 3,000 MLB hits to catch Rose's total as a pro. Having said that, Ichiro is aging well, and if he is willing to keep playing, I really don't see a problem with Ichiro getting up to 3,000 hits in the majors. If he's willing to play into his mid-40's for a smaller salary, he might even give 3,500 hits a run for the money.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('13196','Joe'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('13196','Joe','Why would you include Ichiro\'s hits as a player in Japan, but not Rose\'s hits as a player in the minor leagues? Rose had over 400 hits in the minors, so Ichiro would still need much more than 3,000 MLB hits to catch Rose\'s total as a pro.\r\n\r\nHaving said that, Ichiro is aging well, and if he is willing to keep playing, I really don\'t see a problem with Ichiro getting up to 3,000 hits in the majors. If he\'s willing to play into his mid-40\'s for a smaller salary, he might even give 3,500 hits a run for the money.'); return false;">Quote</a></div> Why would you include Ichiro’s hits as a player in Japan, but not Rose’s hits as a player in the minor leagues? Rose had over 400 hits in the minors, so Ichiro would still need much more than 3,000 MLB hits to catch Rose’s total as a pro.

Having said that, Ichiro is aging well, and if he is willing to keep playing, I really don’t see a problem with Ichiro getting up to 3,000 hits in the majors. If he’s willing to play into his mid-40′s for a smaller salary, he might even give 3,500 hits a run for the money.

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]]> By: Chris http://seamheads.com/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/comment-page-1/#comment-13051 Chris Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:41:00 +0000 http://seamheads.com/blog/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/#comment-13051 I loved the article. I found it because I was trying to figure out the same thing. You math is a bit off though. I think you added 210 hits to his total this year without subtracting the hits he already has this year. He is averaging 230 hits per 162 games played. So lets take that number. 1,278 + 1,915(updated w/ current hits this season)= 3,193 + 120(for the rest of the season)=3,313. Using his season average for the MLB(230 hits), at the end of the 2012 season he will have 4,003 hits. If he decides to stay two more years he will surpass Pete Rose easily. He will probably slow down a bit but he could reach 4,300 with less than 150 hits a year.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('13051','Chris'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('13051','Chris','I loved the article. I found it because I was trying to figure out the same thing. You math is a bit off though. I think you added 210 hits to his total this year without subtracting the hits he already has this year. He is averaging 230 hits per 162 games played. So lets take that number. 1,278 + 1,915(updated w\/ current hits this season)= 3,193 + 120(for the rest of the season)=3,313. Using his season average for the MLB(230 hits), at the end of the 2012 season he will have 4,003 hits. If he decides to stay two more years he will surpass Pete Rose easily. He will probably slow down a bit but he could reach 4,300 with less than 150 hits a year.'); return false;">Quote</a></div> I loved the article. I found it because I was trying to figure out the same thing. You math is a bit off though. I think you added 210 hits to his total this year without subtracting the hits he already has this year. He is averaging 230 hits per 162 games played. So lets take that number. 1,278 + 1,915(updated w/ current hits this season)= 3,193 + 120(for the rest of the season)=3,313. Using his season average for the MLB(230 hits), at the end of the 2012 season he will have 4,003 hits. If he decides to stay two more years he will surpass Pete Rose easily. He will probably slow down a bit but he could reach 4,300 with less than 150 hits a year.
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]]> By: Gilbert Martinez http://seamheads.com/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/comment-page-1/#comment-12996 Gilbert Martinez Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:22:01 +0000 http://seamheads.com/blog/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/#comment-12996 A question for clarification. You note that Ichiro's hit total for his major league career in Japan is 1,434. But the figure I have seen is 1,278. What that was combined with his MLB total last summer in July, he reached 3,000 total hits for his career (MLB+Nippon Professional Baseball). Here's a link to his Japan stats: http://japanesebaseball.com/players/player.jsp?PlayerID=28 Where do you get 1,434 from? Thanks for the article. Gilbert<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('12996','Gilbert Martinez'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('12996','Gilbert Martinez','A question for clarification. You note that Ichiro\'s hit total for his major league career in Japan is 1,434.\r\n\r\nBut the figure I have seen is 1,278. What that was combined with his MLB total last summer in July, he reached 3,000 total hits for his career (MLB+Nippon Professional Baseball). Here\'s a link to his Japan stats: http:\/\/japanesebaseball.com\/players\/player.jsp?PlayerID=28\r\n\r\nWhere do you get 1,434 from?\r\n\r\nThanks for the article.\r\n\r\nGilbert'); return false;">Quote</a></div> A question for clarification. You note that Ichiro’s hit total for his major league career in Japan is 1,434.

But the figure I have seen is 1,278. What that was combined with his MLB total last summer in July, he reached 3,000 total hits for his career (MLB+Nippon Professional Baseball). Here’s a link to his Japan stats: http://japanesebaseball.com/players/player.jsp?PlayerID=28

Where do you get 1,434 from?

Thanks for the article.

Gilbert

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]]> By: David in Toledo http://seamheads.com/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/comment-page-1/#comment-12954 David in Toledo Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:43:17 +0000 http://seamheads.com/blog/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/#comment-12954 As just noted, the shorter season essentially cancels out a slightly easier hitting environment. Add baserunning, fielding (including ability to play center field), and durability. An easy HoF choice.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('12954','David in Toledo'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('12954','David in Toledo','As just noted, the shorter season essentially cancels out a slightly easier hitting environment.\r\n\r\nAdd baserunning, fielding (including ability to play center field), and durability. An easy HoF choice.'); return false;">Quote</a></div> As just noted, the shorter season essentially cancels out a slightly easier hitting environment.

Add baserunning, fielding (including ability to play center field), and durability. An easy HoF choice.

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]]> By: Devon http://seamheads.com/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/comment-page-1/#comment-12945 Devon Sun, 14 Jun 2009 02:23:14 +0000 http://seamheads.com/blog/2009/06/13/could-ichiro-suzuki-break-the-all-time-hit-record/#comment-12945 He would be the all-time major league hits leader, but not the all-time MLB (NL + AL) hits leader. That sounds confusing, but seriously... his Japan days were in a major league. The only reason he didn't play stateside, is because his contract wouldn't allow it. His days with the Orix Blue Wave, were major league days. So people should rightfully put him in the 3000 hit club for major leaguers, but not for the MLB. People were talkin' about this last summer when he slapped out his 3,000th major league hit. I also think people should account for the fact he played in shorter seasons in Japan. If he had played 162 game schedule during the 90's... wow, he might be closer to Hank Aaron's hit total by the end of this year.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('12945','Devon'); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('12945','Devon','He would be the all-time major league hits leader, but not the all-time MLB (NL + AL) hits leader. That sounds confusing, but seriously... his Japan days were in a major league. The only reason he didn\'t play stateside, is because his contract wouldn\'t allow it. His days with the Orix Blue Wave, were major league days.\r\n\r\nSo people should rightfully put him in the 3000 hit club for major leaguers, but not for the MLB. People were talkin\' about this last summer when he slapped out his 3,000th major league hit.\r\n\r\nI also think people should account for the fact he played in shorter seasons in Japan. If he had played 162 game schedule during the 90\'s... wow, he might be closer to Hank Aaron\'s hit total by the end of this year.'); return false;">Quote</a></div> He would be the all-time major league hits leader, but not the all-time MLB (NL + AL) hits leader. That sounds confusing, but seriously… his Japan days were in a major league. The only reason he didn’t play stateside, is because his contract wouldn’t allow it. His days with the Orix Blue Wave, were major league days.

So people should rightfully put him in the 3000 hit club for major leaguers, but not for the MLB. People were talkin’ about this last summer when he slapped out his 3,000th major league hit.

I also think people should account for the fact he played in shorter seasons in Japan. If he had played 162 game schedule during the 90′s… wow, he might be closer to Hank Aaron’s hit total by the end of this year.

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