[106] This was in response to the Japanese media labeling Ichiro as the "Hit King", claiming that Ichiro should be considered to be the all-time hits leader when his hits in Japan are included. Ichiro's 2006 season got off to a disappointing start, with the outfielder hitting as low as .177 in the season's third week. In 2009, the beautiful pair raised an adorable pet named Ikkyu. He was a ten-time MLB All-Star and won the 2007 All-Star Game MVP Award for a three-hit performance that included the event's first-ever inside-the-park home run. However, he prefers using a translator during his interviews for consistency and to avoid confusion while speaking to the press. You can call some guys' infield hits cheap, but not his. This was Ichiro's 3rd season playing in all 162 games. During one 56-game stretch in 2004, Ichiro batted over .450. [3][7], Ichiro is the honored chairman of the Ichiro Cup, a six-month-long boys' league tournament with more than 200 teams, held in Toyoyama and surrounding cities and towns since 1996. Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, who recently built and moved into a new, larger home on Washington's Lake Sammamish, is asking $1.75 million for his old home with views of the lake. He also spent a year as Department Chair. On 3 May, the Mariners announced that Ichiro would move to the front office as a special assistant to the chairman for the remainder of the season,[133] but Ichiro did not rule out a possible return as a player for the 2019 season. He went 04 at the plate and in the bottom of the eighth inning walked off the field to applause. Ichiro Suzuki is a big name in the baseball world. In the drama, he kills a person and is arrested. More than 150 Japanese reporters and photographers were given media access. With a .350 batting average and 56 stolen bases, Ichiro was the first player to lead his league in both categories since Jackie Robinson in 1949. The 5,000-square-foot contemporary house is in Issaquah, about 15 miles from Seattle. Ichiro is noted for his work ethic in arriving early for his team's games, and for his calisthenic stretching exercises to stay limber even during the middle of the game. [43] The Associated Press reported that Ichiro's contract extension defers $25million of the $90million at 5.5% interest until after his retirement, with payments through 2032. Past Addresses: Rowland Heights CA, Garden Grove CA +1 . Other provisions in Ichiro's contract included a yearly housing allowance of more than $30,000, and four first-class round-trip tickets to Japan each year for his family. We have to make him spiritually strong." His 200th hit of 2004 came in just his 126th game. For other uses, see, Rest of 2012: second postseason appearance, Dave Neihaus, FSNW television broadcast of Seattle Mariners vs New York Yankees, 21 August 2010, Last edited on 24 February 2023, at 03:40, Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame (The Golden Players Club), National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award, List of Major League Baseball annual stolen base leaders, List of Major League Baseball batting champions, List of Major League Baseball career at-bat leaders, List of Major League Baseball career games played leaders, List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders, List of Major League Baseball career plate appearance leaders, List of Major League Baseball career putouts as a right fielder leaders, List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders, List of Major League Baseball career singles leaders, List of Major League Baseball career stolen bases leaders, List of Major League Baseball career total bases leaders, List of Major League Baseball hit records, List of Major League Baseball players from Japan, Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star Series, Seattle Mariners award winners and league leaders, "Japanese baseball star Ichiro Suzuki sets base hit world record", "Museum Showcases Ichiro's Baseball Career", " (Greetings from Mayor Yukiyasu Suzuki)", "Ichiro museum opens window to Japan's baseball icon", "How Ichiro's 3,000th Hit Was Covered in Japan", "Ichiro Suzuki Aiming at Age 50 (but First, 3,000 Hits)", "Ichiro Suzuki and Randy Johnson: The Meaning of Respect", "All-Star snub Ichiro Suzuki still an all-time great - Lucas", "The Seattle Times: Sports: HITS-TORY! Professional baseball player Ichiro Suzuki has recorded another hit of sorts, selling his condominium in downtown L.A.'s Arts District for more than $100,000 over the asking price. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Ichiro Suzuki ( Suzuki Ichir? [114][115], On 14 June, Ichiro singled for his 365th interleague hit, passing Derek Jeter (364) to become the all-time leader in interleague hits. The latest stats, facts, news and notes on Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Homes - Celebrity - Sports - Baseball Links: online.wsj.com By: neotrix In the off-season, Ichiro played himself in Furuhata Ninzabur, a Japanese Columbo-like TV drama that he loves. He knows they have to play the younger guys and get them more playing time. Informed of this assessment, Ichiro said, "If that is true, it would give me great joy. [97] On 18 August, Ichiro had his first four-hit game since 2013. Ichiro reached the milestone in the fourth-fewest games in major league history, after Al Simmons, Ty Cobb, and George Sisler. [135] This would end up being his last game played at Safeco Field. That allowed Ichiro to become the first player to collect 200 hits per season in each of his first five years in the Major Leagues. Ichiro Suzuki's house (former) (Bing Maps). [161], On 18 March 2011, Ichiro donated 100 million ($1.25 million) to the Japanese Red Cross for earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. He exists strictly within his own world, playing a game 100 percent unfamiliar to everyone else. Suzuki made waves when he came to the Seattle Mariners from Japan's Orix Blue Wave. In the NPB, he won seven consecutive batting titles and three consecutive Pacific League MVP Awards. [69] Ichiro finished the season batting a career-low .272 with 184hits, the first time in his 11-year MLB career he did not record 200hits. The star outfielder remodeled the 1997 house extensively in 2003, adding dark walnut paneling and cabinetry, granite countertops and commercial-grade kitchen appliances. [19], Aided by Major League Baseball's decision to allow All-Star voting in Japan, Ichiro was the first rookie to lead all players in voting for the All-Star Game. Detroit third baseman Brandon Inge told The New York Times, "I wish you could put a camera at third base to see how he hits the ball and see the way it deceives you. The above graph shows Fukushimas popularity over the past twelve months. [160] His likeness is used as the basis of the character "Kyoshiro" in the anime and manga Major. 2007 marked the end of Ichiro's second contract with the Mariners, and he initially told MLB.com that he would likely enter the free agent market, citing the team's lack of success in recent years. Only Ichiro and Matt Kemp did so for the 2010 season. Suzuki was thrilled about their relationship and the possibility of being an average couple as both were celebrities. [165], He was the face of Kirin Brewery, a Japanese beer brand. His first game as a Yankee was played the night of the trade, at Safeco Field against the Mariners. With two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, 18 September, Ichiro hit a walk-off, two-run home run against Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, scoring Michael Saunders in one of the more memorable victories of the season. He is the key to Seattle's offense." Ichiro was primarily used as a pitcher instead of as an outfielder, owing to his exceptionally strong arm. That would make me happy. The following year, he visited the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum while on a road trip to Kansas City and made what, as of 2016, remains the largest contribution ever made to the museum by an active MLB player.[161]. Five other players have since done so: Matt Murton, Norichika Aoki (twice), Alex Ramrez, Tsuyoshi Nishioka, and Shogo Akiyama's 216 hits in 2015, but those players benefited from 140+ game seasons while Ichiro's 210 hits had come in a 130-game season. Ichiro Suzuki is the first MLB player to enter the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. On 13 September against the Texas Rangers, Ichiro collected his 200th hit of the season for the ninth consecutive year, setting an all-time major league record. The happily married couple, Yumiko and Ichiro, have no children. By comparison, Joe DiMaggio batted .408 during his record-setting 56-game hitting streak. Distribution and use of this material are governed by He played for teams like Orix BlueWave, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, and Miami Marlins. It is unknown whether Yumiko and Ichiro had a past relationship. Also, Ichiro was nominated for the This Year in Baseball Award. Ichiro used the posting system, and the Seattle Mariners won the right to negotiate with him with a bid of approximately $13million. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Suzuki also set a number of batting records, including MLB's single-season record for hits with 262. The place has 360-degree views of Central Park and a chef's kitchen, according to Street Easy. Eric Byrnes' House. It's got to come from the team, too. However, on Ichiro's 28th birthday, Seattle's stellar season ended against the New York Yankees in the ALCS, as Ichiro was held to a .222 average during the series. In 2016, Suzuki notched the 3,000th hit of his MLB career, becoming only the 30th player ever to do so. Author David Aretha wrote the book in which he stated despite being adored by many young female fans, the star baseball player developed a long-term relationship with a professional woman who was seven years his senior., Yumiko Fukushima And Ichiro With Their Pet Ikkyu (Source: blogspot). [67] 2011 marked the first time in Ichiro's 11 seasons that he failed to make the all star team. Since Yumiko is not actively working, her net worth is unknown. Because he was never a significant power hitter -- with just 117 homers, or .01 dinger per at-bat -- his .402 slugging percentage is the lowest . The 4,920 sqft home has 5-bedrooms. Well, Ichiro is also offering up the place for a cool $32,000 a month, the report also said. Can't afford that? Ichiro finished the season second in the AL in hits, fourth in batting average, and fourth in steals. On 1 September 2010, Ichiro also collected his 2,200th hit, a leadoff infield single against Cleveland Indians pitcher Josh Tomlin. They also resided in Greenwich, Connecticut, while he played for the Yankees. Suzuki is the first player to be inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. [61] On 5 June 2010, Ichiro scored his 1,000th career MLB run against the Angels on Franklin Gutierrez's RBI groundout. The swing was nicknamed 'pendulum' (, Furiko Dah) because of the pendulum-like motion of his leg, which shifts his weight forward as he swings the bat, and goes against conventional hitting theory. On 10 July, manager Eric Wedge did not start Ichiro, ending his then-major league-best active streak of 255 consecutive starts. The game has known plenty of 'slap' hitters, but none who sacrifice so much natural ability for the sake of the art. It is assumed the two likely met through baseball. [102], On 6 October 2015, Ichiro and the Marlins agreed on a one-year, $2 million contract for the 2016 season. I think it's only natural for someone to want to do that, to express my feelings in that way. [131] At 44 years old, he entered the 2018 season as the second-oldest active player in baseball, behind only Bartolo Coln.[132]. House Plan | 7 Bedroom & 7.5 Bathroom Double Story and Attic Home Plan | 8546 SQFT | Free CAD File | Imperial Units + Metric Units 5 out of 5 stars (136) Add to Favorites $ 43.14 $ 71.90 . Ichiro kept his house in the Seattle area after being traded from the Mariners to the Yankees in 2012, and he has returned to Seattle for parts of each offseason since. [162][163] The previous year, The Baseball Project had released the tribute song "Ichiro Goes To The Moon" on their album Volume 2: High and Inside. "[46] In May 2008, Ichiro stole two bases, giving him a career total of 292, surpassing the previous Seattle Mariners team record of 290 set by second baseman Julio Cruz. [citation needed] It was during the 1994 season that he began to use his given name, "Ichiro," instead of his family name, "Suzuki," on the back of his uniform. Ichiro led the major league All-Star balloting for the second straight year. This incident, along with Nobuyuki's relentless training and unforgiving attitude toward his son, caused their relationship to collapse. Emeritus of Electrical Engineering at CSU Northridge where he had a teaching career spanning 50 years. "[75], With a contract extension with the Mariners unknown, Ichiro stated, "It's going to go both ways. [102] After the season, the Marlins declined a $2 million club option for the 2018 season, instead paying Ichiro a $500,000 buyout. "[32] Japan would later beat Korea in the playoffs and win the tournament after defeating Cuba 106 in the finals. Yumiko is seven years older than Ichiro, who is just 49 years old. He got off to a hot start in 2002, but a late-season slump drove his batting average down to .321, 29 points below his batting average as a rookie. [98] On 31 August, against the Atlanta Braves, Ichiro scored his 2,000th professional run when combining his runs scored in MLB (1,342) and in Japan's NPB (658). The Mariners traded him to the Yankees for minor league pitchers D. J. Mitchell and Danny Farquhar on 23 July. Cruz, who now does Spanish-language broadcasts of Mariners games, was watching from the broadcast booth as Ichiro broke his record. [102][110], After the 2016 season, the Marlins exercised their option on Ichiro's contract for the 2017 season, and added an option for the 2018 season. Forbes also mentioned that Suzuki earned around $7 million from his endorsement deals from Japan. Ichiro Suzuki's House (Issaquah, Washington) . He played for the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins before he returned to Seattle in 2018. Seattle also received cash in the trade. In 2016, he made a total of $4 million just from his advertisement deals. [49], By 2008, it had emerged in the media that Ichiro was known within baseball for his tradition of exhorting the American League team with a profanity-laced pregame speech in the clubhouse prior to the MLB All-Star Game. Ichiro recorded 50 hits in four different months of the year (September and October are combined by MLB for this computational purpose), becoming the first player ever to have four in a season. On 29 July 2007, Ichiro collected his 1,500th U.S. hit, the third fastest to reach the MLB milestone behind Al Simmons and George Sisler. Ichiro left Seattle hitting .261 with a .288 on-base percentage (OBP), four home runs, 28 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 95 games. [14] In November, Ichiro signed a three-year, $14million contract with the Seattle Mariners. He set a Japanese single-season record with 210 hits, the first player ever to top 200 hits in a single season. No offense, we've got to get this organization turned around. Initially, Ichiro disliked the practice and was embarrassed by it; however, "Ichiro" was a household name by the end of the season, and he was flooded with endorsement offers.[13]. That's rare with these players", "Ichiro takes roundtrip to All-Star history", "Ichiro signs five-year deal with Mariners", "Mariners sign Ichiro through 2012 season", "Ichiro third fastest in MLB history to 1,500 hits", "2008 Major League Baseball Baserunning/Misc", "Mariners' Suzuki on a First-Name Basis With Records", "Mariners send Jeff Clement to Class AAA Tacoma", "Ichiro had bleeding ulcer, will start season on disabled list", "Griffey, Ichiro go yard, make history as Mariners roll over Angels", "September 18, 2009 New York Yankees at Seattle Mariners Box Score", "Hunter, Ichiro each seeking 10th AL Gold Glove", "Yadier Molina leads fifth annual "Fielding Bible Awards", "Humbled Ichiro breaks Edgar's hits mark", "Ichiro ties Bonds for sixth in leadoff homers", "Gio Gonzalez closes year with 8-inning gem to lift A's", "Ichiro back in lineup, collects 2,500th hit", "A's top Mariners in 13 to end 1st half at .500", "Ichiro's legacy muddied what should be a clear-cut contract decision", "Jay Buhner says 'I'd vomit' if Ichiro was offered big contract extension", "Ichiro draws lessons learned from friend Buck O'Neil as he ponders future with Mariners", "Ichiro traded to Yankees for minor-league prospects", "Mariners trade Ichiro to Yanks for two prospects", "Yankees acquire 10-time All-Star Ichiro Suzuki from the Seattle Mariners for two pitching prospects", "Suzuki Soaks in the Postseason After a Decade Away From It", "New York Yankees' Ichiro Suzuki made concessions before agreeing to trade ESPN New York", "Yankees officially announce Ichiro signing", "Ichiro settles on No. He doesn't say a whole lot the whole time he's in there, and all of a sudden, the manager gets done with his speech, and he pops off." [17] His trepidation was unfounded, as he had a remarkable 2001 season, accumulating a rookie-record 242 hits, breaking Lloyd Waners rookie record of 223 hits dating back in 1927, and the most hits by any MLB player since 1930. [92] Ichiro had previously broken Sisler's single season hit record in the 2004 season. Yumikos husband Ichiro was inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame on 27 August 2022. As Fukushima was born in 1965, she is 57 years old as of2023. Ichiro Suzuki Cars Collection Ichiro Suzuki owns a few of the best luxury cars in the world. Likewise, as expected, the couple received a lot of attention. Because the team would probably not be able to afford to keep him and would lose him without compensation in another year, Orix allowed him to negotiate with Major League clubs. In addition to his second batting title, he led the league with 80 RBI and 49 stolen bases, while his career-high 25 home runs were third in the league. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. According to The Meaning of Ichiro: The New Wave from Japan and the Transformation of Our National Pastime,she worked as a sports reporter for the Tokyo Broadcasting System. [155], Ichiro is the only left-handed hitter in Major League history with at least 2,000 plate appearances against left-handed pitching to display a reverse platoon splitthat is, he had better results hitting off left-handed pitchers than right-handed pitchers.[156]. Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. [141] The next night, the Mariners again played the Athletics at the Tokyo Dome and Ichiro played in his final professional game. [180] He also learned Spanish early in his MLB career, using it to banter with other players. See full bio Born: October 22, 1973 in Kasugai, Aichi, Japan In his combined playing time in the NPB and MLB, Suzuki received 17 consecutive selections both as an All-Star and Gold Glove winner, won nine league batting titles, and was named most valuable player (MVP) four times. Ichiro Suzuki is a big name in the baseball world. Wedding, Kids & Girlfriends. [34] In his sixth year in the majors, Ichiro collected his sixth Gold Glove Award, and a sixth All-Star Game selection. We are talking about the now-retired famous outfielder in the MLB who played his two final seasons for the Mariners. [45] Ichiro has amassed more than 450 infield hits in his U.S. career. "[76] Ichiro's agent, Tony Attanasio, said, "He knows that the club has to grow. [103] He stole his 500th career MLB base on 29 April 2016, against the Milwaukee Brewers, and led off the game with a single against Zach Davies to move ahead of Frank Robinson into 33rd place on the all-time MLB hit list with the 2,944th hit of his career. The . . While Ichiro played for Marlins, the couple resided in Miami Beach. [148], On 30 April, Ichiro renewed his role with the Mariners from the previous year as special assistant to the chairman. In the third inning, on a 32 count, Ichiro singled up the middle for his 258th hit of the year, which Ichiro later called "the greatest moment of my baseball career". [55][56] The ejection may have hurt Ichiro's chances regarding an esoteric record: the longest playing streak without going hitless in consecutive games. The name of Yumikos former fiance was not revealed, but the writer mentioned that the baseball player played in the Central League while Ichiro was playing for the Pacific League. Moreover, Ichiro was offered endorsement from many other brands but was reluctant to enter into agreements. Fred Goldman's House. According to Ichiro, "It bordered on hazing and I suffered a lot. Sure enough, people were convinced Fukushima would break their relationship but surprisingly, she did not. On 6 September against the Oakland A's, Ichiro collected his 2,000th MLB hit on the second pitch of the game, a double along the first base foul line. Ichiro was named #30 on the Sporting News' 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball, voted upon by a 100-person panel of experts and former stars. He has been married to Yumiko Fukushima since December 3, 1999. [73] Ichiro had also been tried at the three-spot in the batting order[74] during a season for which he earned $18 million. Following the 1996 season, playing in an exhibition series against a visiting team of Major League All-Stars kindled Ichiro's desire to travel to the United States to play in the Major Leagues. As of 2009[update], they have a pet dog (Shiba Inu) named Ikkyu,[173] a combination of the first character in each of his and his wife's first names. This allowed the national star to give a final bow to his fans in his home country. [118] On 29 June, Ichiro became the oldest active MLB player when Bartolo Coln was designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves,[119] although Colon latched on with the Minnesota Twins a few weeks later. Did Ichiro Suzuki actually bunt a homerun? He returned to the Mariners for his final two seasons. Earlier in the game, three of his teammates had led off the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings with home runs, so all of the Yankees' runs in the game were provided by solo home runs. Ichiro was caught stealing only twice in 2006 for a 96% success rate. In July 2009, while in St. Louis for his ninth All-Star appearance, Ichiro made a trip to Sisler's grave. Ichiro's time in the Japanese baseball leagues matured him as a player and a person, and he often credits it for his success. His 1,354 career U.S. hits topped Wade Boggs's record for the most hits in any six-year period. Ichiro watches the final game and attends its awards ceremony every year.[178][179]. The scandal cost Ichiro an undisclosed amount of money and caused him embarrassment, causing the relationship to collapse between the father and son. Darius Days Bio: Family, Contracts And Net Worth, Gus Johnson Bio: Family, Documentary & Net Worth, Mike Conley Net Worth: Charity & Endorsements, Shaun Livingston Bio: Injuries, NBA Championships, Net Worth & Kids. He would go on to 10 All-Star Games, including one where he was named Game MVP. [101] Less than three weeks before turning 42, he was still able to touch 88mph with his fastball to go along with a mid 80s slider. Nevertheless, in 2009, Ichiro told The New York Times: Chicks who dig home runs aren't the ones who appeal to me. . During the August 2010 series against the New York Yankees, Ichiro traveled to the Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York, to pay his respects at the grave of Hall-of-Famer "Wee Willie" Keeler, whose record for single-season hits he had broken in 2004.[62]. Ichiro Suzuki's home is in Bellevue, Washington (WA), United States. Ichiro speaks English well and often spoke it with his teammates in his playing days, but he uses an interpreter during interviews so that he is not misunderstood. As per the old Japanese tradition, it is a customary and respectful distance long observed. [140], On 20 March 2019, the Mariners opened the MLB season against the Athletics at the Tokyo Dome and Ichiro started the game in right field, becoming at 45 years old the second oldest position player (behind Julio Franco) to start for a team on its opening day. His first choice was to play for the New York Yankees. [36], In May and June, Ichiro hit in 25 consecutive games, breaking the previous Seattle Mariners record set by Joey Cora in 1997. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Typically, Ichiro was among baseball's leaders in reaching base on an error (14 times in 2008, more than any other batter in the AL), and in infield hits (his 56 were the most in the majors). In addition to being a ten-time Gold Glove winner, Ichiro was a ten-time All-Star selection from 2001 to 2010. Sportswriter Bruce Jenkins, writing in the San Francisco Chronicle, described Ichiro's distinctive style of play: There's nobody like Ichiro in either leaguenow or ever. [70], On 19 June 2012, Ichiro led off a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a single to center field, the 2,500th hit of his MLB career. However, the second-place Mariners again fell short of the playoffs. In 2000, Ichiro was still a year away from being eligible for free agency, but the Blue Wave was no longer among Japan's best teams. Free shipping for many products! Similarly, Yumiko stands at 1.7 meters tall and weighs around 132 lbs. Ichiro Suzuki Position: Rightfielder Bats: Left Throws: Right 5-11 , 175lb (180cm, 79kg) Born: October 22, 1973 in Nichi Kasugai-gun, Japan jp More bio, uniform, draft, salary info MVP Rookie of the Year 10x All-Star 10x Gold Glove 3x Silver Slugger 2x Batting Title AS MVP 51 31 51 51 Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. This feat also tied him with Pete Rose for the most career seasons of 200+ hits, and he surpassed Ty Cobb for most career seasons of 200+ hits in the AL. Ichiro's career is followed closely in Japan, with national television news programs covering each of his at-bats, and with special tour packages arranged for Japanese fans to visit the United States to attend his games. [158], Ichiro's agent, Tony Attanasio, described his client's status: "When you mail Ichiro something from the States, you only have to use that name on the address and he gets it [in Japan]. SUMMARY Career [68][152], The New York Times criticized his inability to improve his power when his Mariner teams were often low-scoring while noting that he also did not steal bases as frequently as Rickey Henderson or Tim Raines. Due to an agreement between Japanese baseball and the MLB, Ichiro was not allowed to play in the United States before 2001. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2008 Upper Deck Masterpieces Baseball #81 Ichiro Suzuki at the best online prices at eBay! Ichiro went hitless in the following afternoon's game. Ichiro ended the night 4-for-6, bringing his total to 6-for-10 in WBC championship games. Homes - Celebrity - Sports - Baseball Links: en.wikipedia.org By: neotrix Advertisement Celebrity Homes Mailing List Policies Advertisement .css-16c7pto-SnippetSignInLink{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;}Sign In, Copyright 2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved, 50% off + free delivery on any order with DoorDash promo code, Wayfair promo code: 10% off any single purchase, 60% off running shoes and apparel at Nike without a promo code, Score up to 50% off Nintendo Switch video games with GameStop coupon code. [53] Ichiro went on to record 44 hits in June 2009, his 20th career month with 40 or more hits. And he'll go deep occasionally in games, looking very much like someone who could do it again, often [but] the man lives for hits, little tiny ones, and the glory of standing atop the world in that category. California; Whittier; Keith Ichiro Nakamura; Keith Ichiro Nakamura, Age 43. [154] On the final day of the 2015 season on 4 October, Ichiro pitched in his first MLB game, throwing one complete inning at the end of a 72 Marlins loss against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing one run on two hits.