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By JOHN ROMANO
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 20, 2001
He is 27 years old and has won seven batting titles in Japan, so it is hard to think of Ichiro Suzuki as a neophyte.
But, technically, this is his rookie season in the majors, and the Seattle Mariners rightfielder appears to be streaking toward some rookie records. Based on his numbers going into the weekend, Ichiro is projected to finish the season with 279 hits, shattering George Sisler's major-league record of 257. Even if he does not remain nearly that hot, Ichiro still looks like a solid bet to challenge the rookie record of 223 hits. Ichiro also had a 23-game hitting streak, among the best for a rookie.
What's remarkable is that Ichiro had a 15-game hitting streak before going hitless for one game and starting his latest streak. Here are the top five hitting streaks by a rookie in major-league history:
(Player, year, team,streak)
Benito Santiago, catcher, 1987, Padres, 34
Jerome Walton, outfielder, 1989, Cubs, 30
Nomar Garciaparra, shortstop, 1997, Red Sox, 30
James Williams, third base, 1899, Pirates, 27
Guy Curtright, outfield, 1943, White Sox, 26
- Compiled by John Romano.