By Sunday 
A Historic Day for Three Baseball Icons
The Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed three legendary players into its prestigious ranks this year: Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner. The announcement, made during a news conference on Thursday, celebrated their remarkable careers and contributions to the sport.
Suzuki received an overwhelming 393 out of 394 votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA), while Sabathia garnered 342 votes and Wagner secured 325 (82.5%). While Suzuki and Sabathia earned entry on their first ballot appearance, Wagner was voted in on his 10th and final attempt. Their induction ceremony, scheduled for July 27, will also honor Dave Parker and Dick Allen, selected by the classic era committee last month.
Ichiro Suzuki’s Historic Moment
Ichiro Suzuki, the first player from Japan to be elected to the Hall of Fame, expressed both humor and humility when reflecting on the honor. Despite nearly unanimous support, Suzuki joked about the lone writer who didn’t vote for him.
“There’s one writer that I wasn’t able to get a vote from,” he said through a translator. “I would like to invite him over to my house, and we’ll have a drink together, and we’ll have a good chat.”
Suzuki admitted the magnitude of his achievement might take years to sink in. “Maybe five, 10 years from now I could look back, and maybe we’ll be able to say this is what it meant,” he remarked.
His election brought back memories for BBWAA secretary-treasurer Jack O’Connell, who recalled informing Suzuki in 2001 that he had been voted American League Rookie of the Year. At that time, Suzuki received 27 of 28 first-place votes.
CC Sabathia’s Reflections
CC Sabathia shared a lighthearted moment about that same Rookie of the Year vote, joking, “He stole my Rookie of the Year.”
The former Yankees ace reminisced about a memorable game against Suzuki on July 30, 2005, at Safeco Field. After working on a slider to neutralize Suzuki with Cleveland’s pitching coach, Sabathia described the aftermath: “I get two strikes on Ichi, and he hits it off the window,” referencing a 428-foot home run. “Come back around his next at-bat, throw it to him again, first pitch he hits it out again.”
Sabathia also looked back on his journey to the Yankees, which culminated in a $161 million contract and a 2009 World Series win. Initially hesitant about signing, Sabathia credited general manager Brian Cashman and his new teammates for easing his doubts.
“Pretty quick, like two or three days into spring training, me and Andy (Pettitte) are running in the outfield,” Sabathia recalled. “I get a chance to meet (Derek) Jeter. … It didn’t take long at all before I felt like this was the right decision.”
Billy Wagner’s Emotional Milestone
For Billy Wagner, the road to Cooperstown was a long and emotional journey. On his 10th and final year of eligibility, Wagner became the first left-handed reliever inducted into the Hall.
“It’s humbling,” Wagner said, his voice breaking. “I don’t know if it’s deserving, but to sit out 10 years and have your career scrutinized … it’s tough.”
At 5-foot-10, Wagner reflected on his journey and how it might inspire future players. He recalled words from Pedro Martínez, a fellow undersized pitcher and Hall of Famer, who emphasized that size and background don’t determine greatness.
“I hope kids around see that there is a chance that you can get here and it is possible, that size and where you’re from doesn’t matter,” Wagner said. “If I can get here, anyone can get here.”
A Celebration of Legends
As Suzuki, Sabathia, and Wagner prepare for their induction into the Hall of Fame, their stories of perseverance, talent, and impact serve as a reminder of the greatness that defines baseball. Their legacies will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.