COOPERSTOWN, N.Y., July 28, 2025 — Ichiro Suzuki, the first Japanese-born player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, brought the house down Sunday with a witty and heartfelt speech. Mixing humor with sincere gratitude, Suzuki charmed the crowd in Cooperstown, even joking about the one unidentified sports writer who didn’t vote for him.
Suzuki’s surprise humor, CC Sabathia’s reflections on race in baseball, and Billy Wagner’s perseverance highlighted the 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
- Ichiro Suzuki delivered a witty speech, poking fun at the voter who excluded him and his former team.
- CC Sabathia addressed the importance of Black representation in baseball.
- Billy Wagner spoke about overcoming obstacles to reach the Hall of Fame.
- Dave Parker and Dick Allen were also honored as Era Committee selections.
Ichiro Suzuki, who missed unanimous induction by a single vote, quipped, “Three thousand hits or 262 hits in one season are two achievements recognized by the writers. Well, all but one.” He added, “By the way, the offer for the writer to have dinner at my home has now expired.”
A Day of Stars and Speeches
Morning showers gave way to bright skies as an estimated 30,000 fans gathered near the Clark Sports Center. Suzuki, joined by fellow inductees CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, was the undeniable star. Japanese flags and Seattle Mariners gear were visible throughout the crowd, with many fans chanting “Ichiro.”
Suzuki, who delivered his 18-minute speech in English, surprised many with his comedic timing. He playfully jabbed at the Miami Marlins, joking he’d never heard of them when they offered him a contract in 2015. He also recalled hearing Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs exclaim, “Holy smokes! Another laser-beam throw from Ichiro!”
Suzuki amassed 3,089 MLB hits and 1,278 hits in Japan, for a combined total of 4,367, surpassing Pete Rose’s major league record.
Suzuki reflected on his career, noting his 3,000 hits, ten Gold Gloves, and ten seasons with 200 hits. “Not bad, huh?” he asked to more laughter. He thanked his late agent Tony Anastasio for bringing him to America and teaching him to appreciate wine.
More profoundly, Suzuki spoke about baseball’s life lessons. “Baseball taught me to make valued decisions about what is important,” he said. “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 stressed that dedication and attention to small details were key to his longevity and success.
He also mentioned overcoming doubters, including one who told him not to “embarrass the nation.” Suzuki expressed his pride in making his homeland proud, stating, “Going into America’s Baseball Hall of Fame was never my goal. I didn’t even know there was one.”
Voices of the Class of 2025
CC Sabathia thanked his fellow inductees, including Suzuki, whom he playfully accused of stealing his Rookie of the Year award in 2001. Sabathia also spoke movingly about Black culture in baseball, honoring Dave Parker as a role model.
“Baseball has always been a great game for Black athletes, but baseball culture has not always been great to Black people,” Sabathia stated. “I hope we’re starting to turn that around. I don’t want to be the final member of the Black aces, a Black pitcher to win 20 games. And I don’t want to be the final Black pitcher giving a Hall of Fame speech.”
Billy Wagner encouraged young players to view obstacles as stepping stones. “I wasn’t the biggest player. I wasn’t supposed to be here,” he said, celebrating his induction as the eighth full-time reliever in the Hall of Fame.
The Class of 2025 also included Era Committee selections Dave Parker, the “Cobra,” who died June 28, and slugger Dick Allen. Tom Hamilton received the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting, and Tom Boswell was honored with the BBWAA Career Excellence Award.
Suzuki received 393 of 394 votes (99.7%) from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Sabathia garnered 342 votes (86.8%), and Wagner secured 325 votes (82.5%).
Suzuki, a two-time AL batting champion and ten-time All-Star, hit .311 with 117 home runs and 780 RBIs in MLB. His combined total of 4,367 hits across Japan and MLB is a remarkable career achievement. Sabathia, a six-time All-Star, won the 2007 AL Cy Young Award and a World Series title in 2009, posting a 251-161 record with 3,093 strikeouts. Wagner, a seven-time All-Star, recorded 422 saves with a 2.31 ERA.
