Yes, I think Ichiro could retire today and he would be voted into the MLB hall of fame the first year he's eligible.
Here's a quick overview of his career stats to date - counting ONLY MLB numbers, not Japanese stats:
2722 Hits
321 doubles
83 triples
470 stolen bases
.320 lifetime batting average
.362 lifetime OBP
10 x all star
10 x gold glove winner
2001 MVP
2001 Rookie of the year
2001 & 2004 AL batting title (highest Batting average in the AL)
10 consecutive seasons of 200+ hits
Everyone knows that Ichiro is a high average leadoff style hitter, so his lack of power numbers and low HR totals are a non-issue. Likewise, everyone knows he missed about 5+ years at the peak of his career because he was still playing in Japan. I don't think voters will give him credit for Japanese stats but they won't hold it against him that he has somewhat reduced career totals.
Absolutely, anyone who says he isn't yet doesn't know what they're talking about [unless they're talking about how he technically isn't a HOFer because he's not actually in the Hall yet...].
But he became a lock the first game of 2010, which gave him the minimum ten seasons to be eligible for the HOF. He "already" has more hits than about 100 players in the HOF, as well as leading the league in hits 7 times, 10 seasons of 200+ hits, an MVP, 10 Gold Gloves, 470 stolen bases, and a .320 career batting average.
First ballot.
Yes. I am not going to count his "4,000" hits, although impressive this is strictly MLB stats
AL rookie of the year and MVP
May reach 3,000 hits in the MLB
10 seasons with 200+ hits
Record for most hits in a season
Multiple gold gloves and all star appearances
The only thing going against him is that typically RF are power hitters and sluggers. He obviously is not.
Dual HOF for both MLB as well as the Japanese League is in the future for Ichiro who is a class act.
He's a first ballot even if he were to never play another game again. He got to 2700 hits faster than an player in MLB history.
Nope. Active players are not eligible for the Hall of Fame.
Probably. He's played the majority of his career in MLB.
Not until 5 tears after he retires
9 straight years with 200 hits? 270 hits in one season? Yeah, he's in.
Umm yeah he is. a sure HOF candidate.
No but he's on the road to the HOF
No
No.
