Marlins sign Ichiro for another year

pulse 21:45 - 05 October 2016

Ichiro Suzuki of the Miami Marlins became the first Japanese position player in Major League history in 2001

The decision comes after a successful season in Florida for Ichiro, which saw the veteran succeed in his quest to join the 3,000-hit club.

Japanese star Ichiro Suzuki will extend his Major League Baseball career for at least another year after the Miami Marlins exercised their 2017 option on the outfielder on Wednesday.

The Marlins confirmed on Twitter they had agreed to pick up the $2 million option on the 42-year-old. US media reported the club had also added an option for 2018.

Ichiro's successful pursuit of the milestone triggered national celebrations in Japan after he reached it on August 7 with a triple at Colorado.

Ichiro finished the campaign with 95 hits for the season, giving him a total of 3,030, 25th on Major League Baseball's all-time list.

Ichiro made his professional debut for Japan's Orix BlueWave in 1992 before moving to the North American major leagues.

He became the first Japanese position player in Major League history in 2001, debuting with the Seattle Mariners and earning American League Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honours.

Profoundly revered among the Japanese public, Ichiro is a frequent subject of television documentaries, detailing his stoic preparations for games during and off season.