6 Reasons Ichiro is the Best He can Be

Ichiro is not a particularly nice fellow. And despite the many years he has been in the United States, he still doesn't speak English, or let on that he does. So, he might not be that bright.

His wife, however, can communicate in English with no problem, it is said.

But, Ichiro can play baseball. There are reasons why he is the best.

Here are six of them:

1. His off season training regimen – One hundred fourteen steps (114). He runs, makes that sprints, five laps, one step at a time and then follows it with more laps two at a time…17 laps in this report. 2,508 steps overall.

2. His focus – in his 17th year as a pro – "I'm simply focused on making this season the best that I can. It's the same goal of every offseason, and I haven't approached this one any differently."

3. His discipline – "Your responsibility is to perfecting your craft."

4. His uniqueness – "I'd be surprised if any professional in a similar situation didn't feel the same way (focused and responsible)." Yes, indeed, he should be surprised. Many/Most/All? MLB players just want to know their market value. Not Ichiro.

5. His demands – the average position player's spikes weigh 14 oz. Ichiro's size 10.5 weigh 9.17oz. He wants the absolute best.

6. His range – He calls it unconfined movement. "I love the freedom center field gives me to run. I'm exaggerating a bit, but if there's a ball hit to left field or right field that I think is catchable for me, it's mine if I want it. The center fielder has that right to take charge."

Ichiro jokes that he might be able to encover the entire outfield from the centerfield position. But…nobody is laughing because he most likely can.

Wade Boggs knows that he can hit, too…his seven year 200-hit streak will be tied by Ichiro this season.

Ichiro brings the best of what Japanese have to offer and displays it on the baseball diamond.

What do you think are the most essential characteristics a person needs to excel?