ST. LOUIS -- Ichiro Suzuki singled in the first inning Saturday night for his 4,192nd career hit in the major leagues and Japan, passing Ty Cobb's total that ranks second in major league history.
Suzuki, 41, also singled in the third inning of the Miami Marlins' 6-2 loss to the Cardinals, giving him 2,915 big league hits and 4,193 in his professional career. He had 1,278 hits in nine seasons for the Orix Blue Wave in Japan.
The combined total is not recognized as an official mark, but Suzuki said he's not worried about those who might downgrade his pre-majors deeds.
"I think that's for people to decide and for people to talk about and decide for themselves," Suzuki said through an interpreter. "There's nothing really I can do."
Suzuki paid tribute to Cobb, who retired in 1928 as the major league's career hits leader, a mark that stood until Pete Rose passed him on his way to 4,256 hits. On a trip to the Hall of Fame, Suzuki said he touched Cobb's bat and "read some of the letters he wrote."
"Now, I want to go back to the Hall of Fame and be able to get to know him more and maybe look at more of his stuff," Suzuki said.
Suzuki got a standing ovation from a sellout crowd at Busch Stadium after his hit in the first inning and responded by doffing his helmet and bowing.
"That's such a great thing to see and be a part of," Marlins manager Dan Jennings said. "He certainly deserved that moment."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.