The essence of Ichiro's batting

Many people have spoken a lot about Ichiro's batting. But there are some things that are not spoken.

Batting average is a division. It is calculated by dividing the number of hits by the number of at-bats. So, in order to have a high batting average, it is better to increase the number of hits and decrease the number of at-bats. The only way to increase the number of hits is to hit (obviously). The way to decrease the number of at-bats is to walk. It is usually thought that a player who balances both of these is likely to become the leader in batting average. However, Ichiro just keeps hitting and increasing his number of at-bats, as if he has no intention of walking. Although such a player should not be able to become the leader in batting average. Ichiro has been the leader in batting average of the American League twice. In 2001 and 2004. Moreover, Ichiro also had the most at-bats in the American League in both of these years.

Ichiro on display at National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

In the history of the major leagues, only nine players, including Ichiro, have been the leader in batting average while having the most at-bats in their league. And Ichiro is the only one who has managed to do this twice. Furthermore, the leader in batting average with the most at-bats in the history of the major leagues was Ichiro in 2004 (704 at-bats), and the second was Ichiro in 2001 (692 at-bats).

In 2004, Ichiro's batting average was .372. This is the highest batting average in the 21st century. Even now, no player has surpassed this batting average. And his at-bats were the most in his league (actually, the most in both leagues combined!). Furthermore, Ichiro's at-bats that year were the most in the history of the major leagues for the leader in batting average. This means that Ichiro's single season record of 262 hits in 2004 will probably never be broken.

( If I’ve made a mistake or left out something important, please let me know. I’ll try to make corrections or additions)