Miami Marlins outfielder Ichiro Suzuki is about to reach the 3,000-hit mark in Major League Baseball. The 42-year-old Japanese icon is expected to conquer the milestone this week during Miami's 10-game homestand.

The Marlins are hosting the New York Mets July 22-24, the Philadelphia Phillies July 25-27 and the St. Louis Cardinals July 28-31 at Marlins Park. He should join the club one of those days, becoming the 30th major league player to get to 3,000.

Thinking about Ichiro reminded me of a story involving him — sort of — that began 22 years ago and ended last month.