MIAMI _ Only a couple of dozen players have more career hits than Ichiro Suzuki, who ranks 25th on the majors' all-time list with 3,027. But even fewer rank ahead of him on another all-time list that he would rather not be on: most games played without ever appearing in a World Series.
With 2,494 games under his belt, Ichiro ranks sixth all-time among players who have never played for a ring.
"Since I've never been, I don't even know what that's like," Ichiro said of the World Series. "So once I go, then I think I'll be able to say, 'I missed out on this.' "
The only major leaguers who played in more games without reaching the World Series are: Rafael Palmeiro (2,831), Ken Griffey Jr. (2,671), Andre Dawson (2,627), Ernie Banks (2,528) and Julio Franco (2,527).
Barring a miracle finish by the Marlins, Ichiro will go another season without appearing in the Fall Classic. He's come close twice: as a rookie with Seattle in 2001 and with the Yankees in 2012. Both teams reached the American League Championship Series before losing.
Marlins manager Don Mattingly can empathize.
Mattingly played in 1,785 games _ all with the Yankees _ but never made it to the World Series.
"It's definitely the goal of every player," Mattingly said.
Asked if he feels it's the one accomplishment missing in his baseball career, Ichiro replied: "That's a question I think is so obvious, you don't even have to ask. That's what everybody's out to do."
