Hiroshima Carp star Takahiro Arai had two hits on Sunday, leaving him with 1,999 for his career. Recently, each base knock by Arai has been met with an ever-growing wave of jubilation from fans, as he draws closer to the 2,000-hit threshold only 46 others (solely in NPB) have crossed.
At this point for Arai, 39, it's simply a matter of when he'll get the milestone hit, which member of the Meikyukai will present him with the customary bouquet of flowers and what the commemorative T-shirts will look like.
Things are not so simple for longtime Chiba Lotte Marines player Kazuya Fukuura.