5 most memorable moments of Ichiro Suzuki's MLB career

One of the greatest hitters to ever play the game, Ichiro Suzuki has conquered the world since his professional debut in Japan at the age of 18.

Though not officially retiring as a player, Suzuki will be transitioning into a front office role with the Seattle Mariners, the club announced on Thursday.

Suzuki signed with the Mariners for the 2001 season became the first Japanese-born position player in Major League Baseball history. He batted .350 in his first season, becoming only the second player to ever win the Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season.

Here's a look at the most memorable moments from Suzuki's 18-season MLB career:

1. Breaking the single-season hit record, 10/1/04 – Suzuki etched his name in the record book with a single off Rangers righty Ryan Drese, breaking George Sisler's record with his 258th hit of the season. Suzuki finished the season with 262 hits.

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2. 3,000th MLB hit, 8/7/2016 – Suzuki tripled against Rockies lefty Chris Rusin at Coors Field, becoming the 30th player in MLB history to joing the 3,000-hit club.

3. The iconic throw to third, 4/11/2001 – Just weeks into his first season with the Mariners, Suzuki gunned down Oakland's Terrence Long trying to go from first to third on a single.

4. Passing Pete Rose, 6/15/16 – With a ninth-inning double, Suzuki recorded his 4,257th hit between his time in Japan and the United States, giving him home career hits than "Hit King" Pete Rose.

5. 2007 All-Star Game MVP, 7/10/2007 – Starting in All-Star Game for the sixth time in seven in his first seven seasons, Suzuki went 3-for-3 and hit the first inside-the-park home run in the history of the annual showcase.