Ichiro Suzuki HOF material?

[stevetaebo]

I'd put him up there with Roberto Clemente as one of the greatest RF of all time IF he had started his career earlier. -He's started his career at 28. He would have 3000 hits by now at 36 if he started at 23.
-His defense is stellar.

He never played in a World Series, but that is due to a team who cannot surround him with talent.

 

[Oprostaj]

I do give credit where credit is due in acknowledging that he should be a first ballot hall of famer. I just think when people start talking about "greatest lead off hitter ever" that is crazy talk when there are 2-3 guys right now I'd rather have without even getting into guys like Rickey Henderson or the guys before my time.

he is NOT, nor will he ever be the greatest leadoff hitter. he is, however, one of the best pure hitters the game has seen. he has NO holes in his swing, and his plate discipline is amazing. However, I would not put him anywhere close to greatest leadoff hitter.