The wait is over. For two of the three newest members, it was the shortest wait possible. For the third, the longest. Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner are officially Hall of Fame-bound, with Ichiro and Sabathia as first-ballot selections and Wagner in on his 10th and final chance.
- Ichiro, a 10-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glover and the 2001 AL MVP, was a no-brainer. The only controversy over his selection is that it wasn't unanimous: He came up one vote short (99.7%). Ichiro is the first Japanese player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Sabathia, a six-time All-Star, the 2006 AL Cy Young winner with Cleveland and a 2009 World Series champion with the Yankees, received 86.8% of the vote (players need at least 75%). Beyond the numbers, he was a wonderful teammate. Sabathia will have a Yankees cap on in his plaque, and here's how Hall of Famers choose that.
- Wagner, meanwhile, was overcome with emotion when he received the call. The seven-time All-Star's 422 career saves rank eighth all-time, and after a near miss (73.8%) last year, he received 82.5% in his final go 'round. CBS Sports' Matt Snyder and Mike Axisa both explained why they voted for him.
- Here's how all three inductees reacted.
- Classic Baseball Era committee selections Dick Allen and Dave Parker join Ichiro, Sabathia and Wagner in the 2025 class.
Carlos Beltrán (70.3%, third year) and Andruw Jones (66.2%, eighth year) were the only other players to receive even 40% of the vote. Here are the full results.
Ichiro is the headliner, with a truly legendary journey to superstardom filled with signature moments. Dayn Perry writes in appreciation of a singular all-time great, a story full of so many amazing anecdotes it's hard to choose a single one. If you're a fan of baseball, of Ichiro or of great writing, please do yourself a favor and read this story.
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