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Hello Friends,
Twenty years ago, in 2004, Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki broke a Major League record that to that point had stood for 84 years—longer than Babe Ruth held the home runs in a season record, and longer than Joe DiMaggio has held his hitting streak record. The record Ichiro broke was the “single season hits” record, which was set in 1920 by the then first baseman for the old St. Louis Browns, a man named George Sisler. A two-time .400 hitter, at the time he played Sisler was one of the best of his era, a fact acknowledged by his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.
Shortly after Ichiro broke the record, during the 2004/2005 off season, I wrote “Ichiro and Gorgeous George”, which chronicles his incredible pursuit of Sisler’s record across the otherwise lost Seattle Mariners 2004 season. That team lost 99 games and finished last in the American League West, but by August of that season most M’s fans were more interested in Ichiro’s pursuit of Sisler’s record than the team’s won-loss record. After he broke the record, Ichiro went on to etch his own Hall of Fame credentials in stone with an amazing career, in which he had 10 consecutive seasons with 200 or more hits (another record); won 10 Gold Gloves for his outfield play; was a 10 time All Star, and became one of just 33 Major League players in history to register 3000 hits—an incredible accomplishment considering he did not start his Major League career until he was 27 years old. Including Ichiro’s 9 seasons playing for the Orix Blue Wave in Japan, where he won 7 batting titles, he recorded more hits (4,367) than any other professional baseball player ever, which is nothing short of astounding.
After writing “Ichiro and Gorgeous George” I had it released in paperback and kindle editions in 2013, but knew then that one day we would see Ichiro himself inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining George Sisler and other legends of the game; taking his place among baseball’s immortals. With his first ballot election on January 21, 2025, with 99.7% of the vote, that day is now upon us, and this summer he will join Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez as the only Mariners players ever inducted. For Ichiro Suzuki, never has an honor been more richly deserved.
Thus, in acknowledgement of Ichiro and his marvelous career, I am pleased to present this updated and revised Hall of Fame edition of “Ichiro and Gorgeous George,” in paperback and kindle versions. I’ve expanded it with additional information and articles, including the essay “How Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson Changed the World.” In researching “Ichiro and Gorgeous George” I discovered that Sisler and the legendary Brooklyn Dodgers GM knew each other well, with Rickey serving first as Sisler’s college baseball coach, and later as GM of the St. Louis Browns, the team Sisler played for in the Major Leagues.
Finally, if you are a fan of Ichiro, the Seattle Mariners, or just baseball in general, I wrote “Ichiro and Gorgeous George,” for you. I sincerely hope you enjoy it.
Mark Arnold
March 21, 2025
Available in paperback and kindle formats
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