COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — If you're in search of a memorable figure for your next celebrity roast, look no further than Ichiro Suzuki. This legendary player, celebrated as the first Japanese-born athlete inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, captivated the audience on Sunday in Cooperstown. Although morning showers and overcast skies postponed the ceremonies by an hour, the weather cleared to reveal bright skies and warm temperatures, with the sun shining the brightest during Suzuki’s acceptance speech.
Ichiro was joined by fellow inductees, pitcher CC Sabathia, who was elected in his first year of eligibility, and closer Billy Wagner, making it into the Hall in his final attempt on the writers’ ballot. Suzuki narrowly missed being a unanimous selection, receiving one less vote than expected, and humorously called out the unidentified sports writer who didn't vote for him. “Three thousand hits or 262 hits in one season are two achievements recognized by the writers. Well, all but one,” Suzuki quipped, eliciting roaring laughter from the crowd. “By the way, the offer for the writer to have dinner at my home has now expired,” he added, emphasizing the word “expired” for comedic effect.
The Class of 2025 was rounded out by selections from the Era Committee, including Dave Parker, affectionately known as "Cobra," and slugger Dick Allen. Tragically, Parker passed away on June 28, just a month before his induction. An estimated 30,000 fans filled the field adjacent to the Clark Sports Center, with sun umbrellas and Japanese flags adorning the scene. Suzuki’s iconic No. 51 was ubiquitous, as thousands of Seattle Mariners fans chanted “Ichiro” throughout the day. A heartfelt sign reading “Thank You Ichiro! Forever a Legend” in both English and Japanese encapsulated the admiration for Suzuki on this significant occasion.
With 52 returning Hall of Famers present, Suzuki expressed his gratitude to his new baseball home in Cooperstown and his devoted fans. He delivered an 18-minute acceptance speech in English, surprising many with his humor. Joking about the Miami Marlins, the last team of his professional career, Suzuki said, “Honestly, when you guys offered me a contract in 2015, I had never heard of your team.” He humorously noted that he arrived at spring training each year with his arm “already in shape,” just to hear Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs exclaim, “Holy smokes! Another laser-beam throw from Ichiro!”
Taking a moment for tongue-in-cheek modesty, Suzuki remarked, “People often measure me by my records. Three thousand hits. Ten Gold Gloves. Ten seasons of 200 hits. Not bad, huh?” He expressed gratitude toward his late agent Tony Anastasio for guiding him to America and instilling a love for wine. However, he also reflected on the profound lessons learned through baseball. “Baseball is much more than just hitting, throwing, and running. It taught me to make valued decisions about what is important. It helped shape my view of life and the world,” he shared. “Baseball taught me what it means to be a professional, and I believe that is the main reason I am here today.”
In his speech, Suzuki emphasized the importance of dedication and commitment to the game. “When fans use their precious time to see you play, you have a responsibility to perform for them whether you are winning by 10 or losing by 10,” he stated. He acknowledged the doubts he faced along the way, including one individual who advised him, “Don’t embarrass the nation.” With pride, Suzuki reflected, “Going into America’s Baseball Hall of Fame was never my goal. I didn’t even know there was one. I visited Cooperstown for the first time in 2001, but being here today sure feels like a fantastic dream.”
Sabathia, during his own acceptance speech, thanked “the great players sitting behind me, even Ichiro, who stole my Rookie of the Year award (in 2001).” He paid tribute to Parker and discussed the impact of Black culture in today’s game, noting, “It’s an extra honor to be a part of Dave’s Hall of Fame class. He was a father figure for a generation of Black stars.” Sabathia highlighted the importance of representation in baseball, stating, “Baseball has always been a great game for Black athletes, but baseball culture has not always been great to Black people. I hope we’re starting to turn that around.”
Wagner also used his platform to inspire young players, encouraging them to view challenges as “steppingstones” rather than roadblocks. “I wasn’t the biggest player. I wasn’t supposed to be here,” he recalled, noting that he became the eighth full-time reliever inducted into the Hall of Fame because he refused to give up.
Ichiro Suzuki received an impressive 393 out of 394 votes (99.7%) from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Sabathia garnered 342 votes (86.8%), while Wagner received 325 votes (82.5%), surpassing the 296 needed for induction. After making his MLB debut in 2001, Suzuki achieved remarkable milestones, including being one of only two players to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season, joining Fred Lynn from 1975. Suzuki, a two-time AL batting champion and 10-time All-Star, finished his career with a batting average of .311, hitting 117 home runs, 780 RBIs, and stealing 509 bases across his time with the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, and Miami Marlins. Notably, he is recognized as one of the best contact hitters in baseball history, with a combined total of 4,367 hits, surpassing Pete Rose’s major league record of 4,256.
CC Sabathia, who finished second to Suzuki in the 2001 AL Rookie of the Year voting, is celebrated as a six-time All-Star, 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner, and World Series champion in 2009. Over his 19-year career, he achieved a record of 251-161 with a 3.74 ERA and 3,093 strikeouts, ranking third among left-handed pitchers behind Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton. Meanwhile, Wagner, a seven-time All-Star, recorded 422 saves, boasting a 2.31 ERA during his tenure with teams such as Houston, Philadelphia, the New York Mets, Boston, and Atlanta.
Additionally, Tom Hamilton and Tom Boswell were recognized during Hall of Fame weekend. Hamilton, the primary radio broadcaster for the Cleveland Guardians for 35 seasons, received the Ford C. Frick Award, while Boswell was honored with the BBWAA Career Excellence Award for his lifelong contributions to sports journalism at The Washington Post.
