Mariners Franchise Four Unveiled

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Jul 7, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Ichiro Suzuki (51) before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Ichiro Suzuki

After starring in his home country of Japan for many years, Ichiro Suzuki joined the Mariners as a 27-year-old prior to the 2001 season. He would spent the next 12 seasons patrolling the outfield at Safeco Field. Ichiro instantly revolutionized the sport. The right fielder was throwback to the stars of the Negro Leagues, and his playing style was a stark contrast to the steroid era.

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Ichiro is a career .316 hitter, with 113 home runs, 728 RBI’s and 494 stolen bases across 2,288 games. He is one of the best leadoff men in the history of the game. Ichiro boasts a .359 on base percentage, and has scored over 1,300 runs during his career. He currently sits at 2,891 career hits, just 109 shy of the 3,000 landmark. Suzuki had 10 consecutive 200 hit seasons and All Star appearances for Seattle. Ichiro broke George Sisler‘s single season hit record in 2004 when he tallied 262 base knocks. He has quite a trophy case as well, with 1 MVP, 2 batting titles, 3 Silver Sluggers and 10 Gold Gloves.

The Mariners tied an MLB record by winning 116 games in 2001, and Ichiro was a big reason why. The Nagoya, JP native won his first batting title after hitting .350 with 8 home runs, 69 RBI’s and swiping a league high 56 stolen bases. He led the league with 242 base hits and posted a .380 on base percentage. Suzuki was crowned American League Rookie of the Year and AL Most Valuable Player.

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