#ThisDayThatYear: Ichiro Suzuki sets MLB single-season hits record in 2004
On October 1, 2004, Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki set a Major League Baseball record for the most hits in a single season. With 262 hits, Ichiro surpassed the previous record of 257 set by George Sisler in 1920. Ichiro achieved this feat in a game against the Texas Rangers in T-Mobile Park. We decode the stats of Ichiro and detail the record.
Ichir breaks an 84-year-old MLB record
Ichiro broke Sisler's 84-year-old record during the Mariners' 8-3 win over the Texas Rangers. The record-breaking moment came in the Mariners' 160th game of the season when Ichiro hit two early singles. Meanwhile, Sisler had set the previous record over a 154-game schedule in 1920 while playing for the St. Louis Browns, breaking Ty Cobb's record of 248-hit season in 1911.
Mariners vanquish Rangers 8-3 in 160th game of the season
Seattle had a high-scoring third inning (six runs) and managed one run each during the sixth and eighth inning. The Rangers managed two runs in the first and one run during the eighth inning, while the Mariners enjoyed a dominating 8-3 victory at home. No homers were hit. Ichiro managed three hits from five at-bats, Bret Boone shone with two RBI in the game.
Ichiro and Mariners' 2004 Season
In 2004, Ichiro Suzuki batted .372, leading the league in hits with 262. He recorded 101 runs, 60 RBIs, and 49 stolen bases. His batting average and total hits were career highs, showcasing his consistency. Despite Ichiro's standout performance, the Mariners ended their season with a 63-99 record finishing fourth in the AL West, marking a challenging year for the team overall.
Ichiro's overall career stats in major league
Ichiro's MLB career spanned 19 seasons, playing for the New York Yankees, Miami Marlins, and Mariners. During this, he amassed 3,089 hits, a .311 batting average, and 509 stolen bases. Known for his remarkable consistency, Ichiro also excelled defensively with 10 Gold Glove Awards. He was also a 10-time All-Star and won the AL MVP and Rookie of the Year awards in 2001.
