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Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki breaks 84-year-old hits record

Seatle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki sets a new major league single-season record Oct. 1 with his 258th of the 2004 season, with single to center field in the third inning, against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field.

SEATTLE (AP) - Ichiro Suzuki set the major league record for hits in a season with 258, breaking George Sisler's 84-year-old mark with three singles Oct. 1 as the Seattle Mariners beat the Texas Rangers 8-3.

Ichiro chopped a leadoff single in the first inning, then made history with a base hit up the middle in the third inning.

Fireworks went off after the ball reached the outfield, creating a haze over Safeco Field, and Ichiro's teammates mobbed him at first base.

The crowd gave him a standing ovation and Texas first baseman Mark Teixeira shook the Japanese outfielder's hand.

"This is the best moment in my career," Ichiro said after the victory when asked about his stunning achievement.

With the fans still cheering, Ichiro ran over to the first-base seats and shook hands with Sisler's 81-year-old daughter, Frances Sisler Drochelman, and other members of the Hall of Famer's family.

"My father would have been delighted," Drochelman said moments later. "He would be so happy to know such a fine young man was doing so well."

Sisler set the mark in 1920 with the St. Louis Browns over a 154-game schedule. Ichiro broke the mark in the Mariners' 160th game of the year

Ichiro then went on to end the season Oct. 3 with 262 hits.

Shukan ST: Oct. 15, 2004

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