Miami Marlins outfielder Ichiro Suzuki was named the co-NL Player of the Week on Monday.
Suzuki became the 30th member of the 3,000-hit club on Sunday, and was honored by Major League Baseball for that accomplishment. Despite only having a handful of at-bats during the week, MLB gave Suzuki the weekly honors along with Kyle Hendricks of the Chicago Cubs.
It took Suzuki a couple of weeks longer than it seemed it would to reach the magic number. The veteran slumped during Miami's recent ten-game homestand and has played sparingly ever since. With a start in Sunday's game and only one hit needed, the historic moment finally took place in the seventh inning.
Suzuki notched hit 3,000 with a triple, which made him only the second player in history to accomplish the feat with a three-base hit. The other player to triple his way into the history books was Paul Molitor. Suzuki's hit almost left the ballpark, which is another rare way of joining the exclusive club.
Not only has Suzuki provided the Marlins with historic memories, but he has been a key part of a playoff contending team. The 42-year old is hitting over .300 and has been a consistent and dependable bat for most of the season. Suzuki also serves as a mentor to his young teammates and a sure-handed defender in the field.
The Marlins will begin a six-game homestand on Monday against the San Francisco Giants. Miami will also host the Chicago White Sox later in the week at Marlins Park.
