MLB Hall of Fame: 5 current players who are HOF locks

Ichiro Suzuki, outfield, New York Yankees/Seattle Mariners

What to say about Ichiro Suzuki is a tough question to answer but at the same time an easy one. Known around MLB as simply Ichiro, the speedy Japanese born player has excelled both offensively and defensively in his career as both a member of the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees.

Ichiro has a career batting average of .317. He batted over the .300 mark in 11 of his 14 MLB seasons. Throughout his career he has led the league at least once in the following categories: games played, hits, stolen bases, batting average and intentional walks. Pitchers were and still should be afraid of pitching to a player like Ichiro.

Defensively the right fielder has made some of the most impossible defensive plays the league has ever seen. His incredible speed and athletic ability have helped him, make amazing leaping and diving catches that for most other players would be completely unattainable. Although he has a little frame, his arm is also not to be underestimated. MLB players everywhere know not to run on Ichiro.

After coming to the United States from Japan in 2001 at the age of 27, Ichiro won the A.L. Rookie of the Year award and the award for the American League’s Most Valuable Player in the same year. A 10-time MLB All-Star, he attended the Mid-Summer Classic every season from 2001 through 201o.

Ichiro has acquired 10 Gold Gloves and three Silver Slugger awards over the course of his career and though he is now nearing retirement, the Japanese born superstar is still hitting .274 at the age of 40. There is no-doubt that a star like Ichiro, who has been so good both offensively and defensively, will one day be inducted into the Hall of Fame.