Countdown to Opening Day - 15: Ichiro doesn't need to pad stats to define legacy

In this 30-day series, theScore's MLB editors will preview the 2015 season with an in-depth look at some of the significant numbers - statistical milestones, jersey numbers and general miscellanea - poised to pop up throughout the campaign.

Ichiro Suzuki is at the point in his career where his next season could be his last.

He's been playing professional baseball since he was 18, is the fourth option in one of the game's best outfields and enters the year as the league's oldest position player. He hasn't hinted at retirement just yet, though he's not exactly offering assurances beyond this year, either.

As the 41-year-old closes in on his 15th season and a couple of major milestones - the all-time record for professional hits and the exclusive 3,000 club - it's interesting to consider the what ifs.

Ichiro spent his first nine seasons in Japan and didn't arrive in the United States until he was 27. By then he had already piled up 1,278 hits, 658 runs, and 199 stolen bases - totals that if added to his MLB resume would place him among the pantheon of all-time greats.

Trying to account for Ichiro's Japanese career is difficult, but judging by his instant success in the U.S. (Rookie of the Year and MVP) and the Nippon Professional Baseball's short seasons, it's likely he would have ended up one of just two players (Ty Cobb) with at least 3,500 hits, 500 doubles, 100 triples and 600 stolen bases. 

(*includes NPB career)

What we do know is that Ichiro is admittedly chasing the number 3,000 and a World Series ring. Signing with the Miami Marlins this winter after a forgettable two-and-a-half year stint in New York improved his chances for the latter, but he'll be hard-pressed to see enough playing time in 2015 to achieve the former.

And the truth is he doesn't need to. 

Ichiro's accomplishments speak for themselves: two batting titles, the single-season record for hits (262), the most consecutive 200-hit seasons (10), just one season striking out more than 80 times and a record 12 seasons of at least 25 stolen bases. 

That's to say nothing of his exceptional arm, 10-time Gold Glove or his influence on the influx of Japanese players.

Whenever he chooses to call it a career, he'll leave with one of the most unique plate approaches in baseball and as possibly the best infield hitter of all-time.

He's already the greatest Japanese player in MLB history and among the very best international talents ever. That won't change if he gets another 156 hits for 3,000 or 135 to pass Pete Rose. But if those two achievements help cement his legacy for what it already is, then here's hoping our favorite singles hitter plays at least two more years. He might just get that elusive ring while he's at it.