Ichiro Glad To Reach Milestone And Have Focus Shift To Making Playoffs
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – It was the hit heard, and seen, 'round the world…literally.
Miami Marlins outfielder and future Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki became just the 30th player in Major League Baseball history to reach the 3,000 hits milestone.
Ichiro's big hit came during the Marlins big win over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday in Denver and it prompted his teammates to celebrate and fans in his native Japan to rejoice.
For the quiet superstar, it ended a nerve wracking countdown.
"Obviously for me, being happy or not, that's one thing but to see all my teammates and the fans, just all those people who were happy for me, that's something that I'll never forget," Ichiro said through his translator.
On Monday, Ichiro donated some of the gear he wore on Sunday to the Baseball Hall of Fame, a place that he has visited six times.
"Here in Miami he continues to impress, continues to be a dominant player and has taken on a nice role of being a mentor and a teacher," said Jeff Idelson with the Baseball Hall of Fame.
During his two seasons in Miami the Marlins have marveled at the 42-year-old's work ethic and enjoyed his wry sense of humor.
When asked who the most famous person to congratulate him was, Ichiro responded "Justin Bour."
As in, Marlins first baseman Justin Bour who Ichiro loves to tease about being husky.
"That's a big one, that's a big name," Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton joked when told of Ichiro naming Bour as his most famous congratulant.
"He's just continuing to roast me right now but it's all in good fun," Bour said with a smile. "Honestly I don't really have a good answer for that I'm the most famous person that he has heard from. I think he's just trying to make me feel better after he blasted me for being fat [on Sunday]."
The Marlins plan to honor Ichiro briefly the next time he comes to the plate at Marlins Park, with a bigger celebration planned for before the game on September 25th against the Atlanta Braves.
