Orix BlueWave outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, apparently on his way to the major leagues next season, was the fans' favorite selection for the All-Century Team in Japanese baseball, as poll organizers announced their final results Wednesday.
Suzuki received 587,426 votes to lead all candidates in the poll, including former Yomiuri Giants superstars Shigeo Nagashima and Sadaharu Oh, who will be squaring off as opposing managers in the upcoming Japan Series.
Suzuki, who recently announced his plans to play in North America next season, was one of four active players selected to the team in the poll jointly sponsored by the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization and the Yomiuri Shimbun.
Other current players named to the century's best nine were Yomiuri outfielder Hideki Matsui, Yakult Swallows catcher Atsuya Furuta and Seibu Lions shortstop Kazuo Matsui.
Oh and Nagashima, meanwhile, anchor the All-Century infield at first and third base, respectively. Three-time Triple Crown winner for the old Lotte Orions Hiromitsu Ochiai was named the second baseman.
The fans' choice for pitcher was the much-traveled Yutaka Enatsu, who pitched from 1967 to 1984 for the Hanshin Tigers, Nankai Hawks, Hiroshima Carp, Nippon Ham Fighters and the Lions.
Another well-traveled player, Isao Harimoto, was voted to the third outfield position. A feared hitter, Harimoto played for the Toei Flyers from 1959 to 1972, but saw his star burn even brighter as member of the Giants from 1976 to 1979.