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Toronto. Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki became the first Major League player to record 200 hits in 10 consecutive seasons when he singled in Thursday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Suzuki reached the milestone when he lined a single up the middle on the first pitch he saw in the fifth inning of a 1-0 loss to the Jays. “My teammates all celebrated for me, so I realized it would be okay to be happy about the record,” said the 36-year-old, who tipped his cap to the crowd as he received a standing ovation.

“It hasn’t been easy to achieve, but it kind of feels a bit strange because I didn’t set the record as a target this season.”

The Japanese player’s hit also tied Pete Rose’s big-league record for the overall number of 200-hit seasons in his 10th year in MLB.

Rose had held the record since Sept. 25, 1979. But his 200-hit seasons were not consecutive.

“I have several options when I face pitches despite being in an era when pitchers are supposed to have the advantage,” Suzuki told reporters. “Those options add depth to my batting.”

“I want to pass [Rose’s] record. It’s been a tough road to get to this point so it’s a relief,” he added. “I know more than anyone how hard it’s been.”

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Angels slugger Hideki Matsui led the plaudits for his countryman.

“The record speaks for itself,” Matsui said. “But the most amazing thing is that he hasn’t had a serious injury for the last 10 years. That’s the result of meticulous preparation and looking after your body.”

Former Seattle teammate Kenji Johjima pointed to Suzuki’s dedication to improving his technique year after year. “He rarely gets hurt. The way he prepares is incredible,” he said.

“I hope he goes on breaking records next season. It’s a terrific record,” Johjima added.

Japan’s home-run king, Sadaharu Oh, who coached Suzuki at the 2006 World Baseball Classic, described him as a role model.

“He is a source of pride and courage,” he said. “I’m sure he was under a lot of pressure but he never showed it.’’

“It’s been a hard year for him with all the expectation. But he coped with it and got the job done,” he added.

To celebrate the feat, the Asahi Shimbun newspaper printed a four-page special edition that was handed in downtown Tokyo on Friday.

Suzuki surpassed Willie Keeler with his ninth-consecutive 200-hit season last year. Keeler’s streak ran from 1894 to 1901.

Suzuki’s father, Nobuyuki, says his son’s achievements are the result of a lot of hard work.

“Some people say he’s a genius but he’s just a guy who works hard every day to get the results he wants,” he said.

 
Reuters, AP