In last night’s All Star Game the Mariners star outfielder Ichiro had an awesome night going 3 for 3 at the plate including an All Star Game first ever in the park homerun. Ironically the ball was hit to former Mariner Ken Griffey Jr who had the ball take a strange turn in center field. I listened to it on MLB radio and then saw the video later on the MLB.com site.

Good news for Seattle fans with reports are suggesting he is now close to re-signing with the M’s for an estimated $100 million five year contract extension:

On Monday, Ichiro said the Mariners’ strong first half — a 49-36 record that left them in second place, 2½ games behind the Angels had “definitely influenced” his decision on his future. He praised the talent of the club and said that it had shed the losing culture that developed from three straight last-place finishes.

“At this point right now,” Ichiro said on Monday, “I don’t see a speck of that kind of mentality, with this team we have right now.”

If this comes true, that means at his current stint of 200+ hits a year, Seattle fans will be able to enjoy watching him make the 2,500 hits club around the end of the 2012 season.

I know it’s unusual to talk Hall of Fame for somebody with less than 3,000 hits, but Ichiro is a special player. There’s no doubt in my mind that if he stays healthy he’ll get those 3,000 hits and more. Sadly, old legs could prevent him from getting to Pete Rose territory. Ichiro legs out a healthy share of his hits and as he gets older he could see his consecutive string of 200+ hit games broken.

Whatever the case, it’s exciting to see that Seattle might be keeping Ichiro. I would really like to bury thoughts about Ichiro being another A-Rod. Let’s hope the rumors are true.

What do you think, Hall of fame for Ichiro? Too early to start talking? What he’s done in the first seven seasons (seven time All Star, started six of them) is impressive and as last night’s All Star Game proves he does it against the best of the best too. I’m looking forward to the second half of the season.

Did this post make you go hmm?

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