For the first time in major league history, a Japanese player, Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki, was named the Most Valuable Player in the American League on Tuesday.

Suzuki, 28, who also won the AL Rookie of the Year award, narrowly beat out last year's MVP, Oakland Athletics first baseman Jason Giambi, 289 points to 281 in a vote by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Suzuki is the first player since Fred Lynn of the Boston Red Sox in 1975 to win both titles in the same season.

"I didn't expect that I would be the one to win," Suzuki said. "I am very pleased and honored to be among good players," he added. Suzuki, who joined the Mariners from Japan's Orix BlueWave after winning seven straight Pacific League batting crowns and three MVPs, led the majors in batting (.350) and stolen bases (56) and whose 242 hits were the most by a player in 71 years.

When asked to compare the AL MVP award with the MVP awards he won in Japan, Suzuki said, "There is no way I can compare the MVPs in those two countries. "Winning (this) MVP is different; things are different on the field," he said. Suzuki, who received the news while in Seattle, said he does not plan to have a big party but will have a "very private celebration" with his wife and friends.