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Suzuki, Sabathia, Wagner, Parker and Allen Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame

Ichiro’s near-unanimous election as the first Japanese-born inductee highlights the sport’s international reach

Hall of Fame closers Billy Wagner, left, and Mariano Rivera greet fans after the Hall of Fame Legends Parade in Cooperstown, N.Y., Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Former Houston Astros Hall of Fame closer Billy Wagner, left, shakes hands with Ferrum College coach Darren Hodges after introducing him to Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera after the Hall of Fame Legends Parade in Cooperstown, N.Y., Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Former Houston Astros closer and Hall of Fame pitcher Billy Wagner and his wife Sarah wave to fans during the Hall of Fame Legends Parade in Cooperstown, N.Y., Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Former Houston Astros closer and Hall of Fame pitcher Billy Wagner, left, walks with Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera at the end of the Hall of Fame Legends Parade in Cooperstown, N.Y., Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Overview

  • The induction ceremony took place at Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown on July 27 and was streamed live on MLB Network, MLB.TV, MLB.com and the MLB App.
  • Ichiro Suzuki led the BBWAA vote with 393 of 394 ballots, becoming the first Japanese-born inductee, while CC Sabathia earned 86.8% support on his first ballot and Billy Wagner secured 82.5% on his final year of eligibility.
  • The Classic Baseball Era Committee posthumously enshrined Dave Parker and Dick Allen after they received 14 and 13 votes, respectively, exceeding the 12-vote threshold.
  • More than 50 living Hall of Famers attended the ceremony to welcome the Class of 2025 and uphold Cooperstown’s longstanding traditions.
  • Speeches at the ceremony blended humor and gratitude, highlighted by Suzuki’s jabs at the lone holdout voter and his brief tenure with the Miami Marlins.