Miami Marlins outfielder Ichiro Suzuki made history on Sunday when he collected his 3,000th hit.
The hit came in a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Suzuki had picked up hit #2,999 a day earlier on the same field while appearing as a pinch-hitter. Suzuki's 3,000th hit was a triple in the seventh inning.
Suzuki is only the 30th player ever in the very exclusive 3000 hit club. The 42-year old is also the first player to ever reach the magical number while wearing a Marlins uniform.
In only his second season with the Marlins, the likely future Hall of Famer has been one of Miami’s most productive players. Playing in a reserve role, Suzuki has a .317 batting average and has also served as a veteran leader. Suzuki’s teammates can be seen seeking his advice often on game days.
Suzuki is known for his work ethic and his dedication to remaining productive. While the majority of his hits came in Seattle, the outfielder has been a human highlight reel at times in Miami and previously in New York with the Yankees.
When Suzuki ultimately hangs up his cleats, his ticket to Cooperstown is all but guaranteed. In all likelihood, Suzuki will don a Mariners cap in the Hall of Fame. One of his biggest career highlights however now will be listed alongside his Marlins tenure.
With a 2017 team option valued at only $2 million, Suzuki is a near certainty to return to Miami’s bench next season. The Marlins will be hard-pressed to find a better value on the open market both in terms of production and in leadership.
