[Huck]

For leadoff hitters, two things matter: getting on base, and scoring runs. Doesn't matter how you get on base. Doesn't matter how you score. That's your job, and that's all that matters to winning and losing. So, 150 hits and 100 walks is just as good as 200 hits and 50 walks. In fact, if most of those hits are singles, the walks might even be better, because they wear down the pitcher.

Rickey Henderson career OBP .401 !

Ichiro: .376

Rickey RUNS : 2295 (first all time,avg'd 121 per season.

Ichiro: 1047, avg 107 per season

So, we've established that while Ichiro is a prolific singles hitter, he's not the best hitter ever, not even the best leadoff hitter ever.

[EyeGuy]

Henderson, with his combination of speed and power, is the best leadoff hitter in the history of the game. This from a fan who watched Hall of Famer Lou Brock lead off for the St. Louis Cardinals for a decade.