Ohtani Just Made History That Even Ichiro Couldn't Touch

The Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani did something Friday night that had never been done before by a Japanese-born player in Major League Baseball. He extended his on-base streak to 44 consecutive games, passing Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki's record of 43 games set back in 2009.

Ohtani singled in the fifth inning against Texas Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker to reach that historic mark. This is the 13th game this season where Ohtani has reached base in as many tries. The streak itself started all the way back on August 24, carrying through the final 31 games of last season and now well into this year.

A Record That Means Everything to Ohtani

Here's what makes this even more special: Ohtani has said he admired Suzuki growing up. Breaking the record of a player he respected, someone who paved the way for Japanese talent in the majors, adds another layer to what he accomplished Friday night.

And this isn't even close to the only way Ohtani has topped Suzuki's legacy. Back in 2024, Ohtani's 59 stolen bases broke Suzuki's record for steals by a Japanese-born player in a single season. Suzuki's previous mark was 56 steals in 2001.

The Legacy Connection

Suzuki set his 43-game on-base streak right here with the Seattle Mariners in 2009, making this accomplishment feel even more relevant to the Pacific Northwest baseball community. The fact that Ohtani surpassed it on the national stage shows just how special this moment is for Japanese baseball fans everywhere.

With 44 games and counting, Ohtani is rewriting the record books one night at a time. This is the kind of historic performance that gets remembered for decades.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.