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Ichiro Suzuki adds humorous touches to Hall of Fame induction as part of class that includes CC Sabathia

Ichiro Suzuki Brings Laughter and Reflection to Hall of Fame Induction Alongside CC Sabathia and Fellow Honorees

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – In a ceremony filled with nostalgia, heartfelt tributes, and unexpected bursts of humor, Ichiro Suzuki stole the show at the Baseball Hall of Fame induction on a sun-drenched Sunday afternoon. The legendary outfielder, known for his laser-like precision at the plate and his enigmatic personality, infused his speech with witty anecdotes and self-deprecating jokes that had the crowd of thousands roaring with laughter. Joining him in the Class of 2025 were CC Sabathia, the dominant left-handed pitcher whose career spanned multiple teams including a memorable stint with the Cleveland Guardians, and Billy Wagner, the flame-throwing reliever who finally earned his plaque after years on the ballot. The event, held on the hallowed grounds outside the Hall of Fame, celebrated not just their on-field achievements but the unique paths that led them to immortality in Cooperstown.

Ichiro, the first Japanese-born position player to be enshrined, took the stage with his trademark poise, dressed in a sharp suit that echoed his meticulous style. At 51, he looked every bit the ageless wonder who once patrolled right field with the grace of a ballet dancer. But it was his words that captivated the audience. Speaking in a mix of English and Japanese, with a translator at his side, Ichiro began by reflecting on his improbable journey from Omiya, Japan, to Major League Baseball stardom. "I came to America not knowing if I could hit a curveball," he quipped, "but I figured if I could hit it in Japan, maybe I could dodge it here." The line drew chuckles, setting the tone for a speech that balanced reverence for the game with playful jabs at himself and the sport's quirks.

One of the highlights came when Ichiro recounted his famous pre-game stretching routine, which often left teammates and opponents bewildered. "People thought I was crazy, stretching like a contortionist," he said with a sly grin. "But look, it worked – I got 3,089 hits in MLB, plus all those in Japan. Maybe I should have stretched more; I could have gotten 4,000." The crowd erupted, appreciating the nod to his record-breaking hit total, which combines his 1,278 hits in Nippon Professional Baseball with his MLB tally, making him the all-time professional hits leader. Ichiro didn't shy away from humorously addressing his intense rivalry with pitchers, joking about how he once stared down a reliever so intently that the poor guy "probably needed therapy afterward." He even poked fun at his own stoic demeanor, saying, "They called me 'The Wizard' in Seattle, but really, I was just trying not to smile so I wouldn't jinx a hit streak."

Beyond the laughs, Ichiro's speech turned poignant as he thanked his family, particularly his wife Yumiko, and his early mentors in Japan. He spoke of the cultural barriers he broke, becoming a trailblazer for Asian players in MLB. "Baseball is a universal language," he said earnestly. "It doesn't matter where you're from; the ball doesn't care about borders." He credited the Seattle Mariners organization for giving him a chance in 2001, when he arrived as a 27-year-old rookie and promptly won both the AL MVP and Rookie of the Year awards – a feat unmatched in history. Ichiro's career stats are staggering: a .311 lifetime batting average, 10 Gold Gloves, 10 All-Star selections, and 509 stolen bases. But it was his consistency and work ethic that defined him, playing in 2,653 games over 19 MLB seasons with the Mariners, Yankees, and Marlins. In a touching moment, he dedicated part of his speech to the fans, saying, "You cheered for me even when I struck out – which wasn't often, but it happened."

Sharing the stage with Ichiro was CC Sabathia, the burly southpaw whose imposing presence on the mound intimidated hitters for 19 seasons. Sabathia, who began his career with the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) in 2001, used his speech to reflect on his roots in Vallejo, California, and the mentors who guided him through a career marked by triumphs and personal challenges. "I grew up dreaming of this," Sabathia said, his voice steady but emotional. "From the streets of Vallejo to the bright lights of Yankee Stadium, baseball saved me." He highlighted his 251 career wins, 3,093 strikeouts, and a Cy Young Award in 2007 with Cleveland, where he emerged as an ace. Sabathia's time in Cleveland was foundational; drafted first overall in 1998, he helped lead the team to the playoffs in 2007, posting a 19-7 record that year.

But Sabathia's speech also delved into his battles with alcohol addiction, which he openly discussed as a turning point. "I almost lost everything," he admitted. "But getting help in 2015 was the best decision I ever made. It allowed me to finish strong and be here today." He thanked his family, including his wife Amber and their children, and paid tribute to former teammates like Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez from his Cleveland days. Sabathia's move to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008 and then to the New York Yankees, where he won a World Series in 2009, cemented his legacy. With a career ERA of 3.74 and six All-Star nods, Sabathia's induction recognizes his dominance, especially in the postseason, where he went 10-7 with a 3.70 ERA. He humorously noted his size, saying, "They called me 'Big CC' – I guess eating all those Cleveland hot dogs paid off." The line drew laughs, but Sabathia quickly turned serious, advocating for mental health awareness in sports. "If my story helps one kid, it's worth it," he said.

Rounding out the class was Billy Wagner, the diminutive closer with a fastball that could scorch the earth. At 5-foot-10, Wagner defied expectations, amassing 422 saves (sixth all-time) over 16 seasons with teams like the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, and Boston Red Sox. His speech was a masterclass in gratitude, thanking his family for supporting him through injuries and the long wait for Hall of Fame recognition – this was his 10th year on the ballot. "I was never the biggest guy on the field," Wagner said with a chuckle, "but I threw hard enough to make up for it." He recalled his rural Virginia upbringing and how baseball became his escape. Wagner's stats speak volumes: a 2.31 ERA, 1,196 strikeouts in 903 innings, and seven All-Star appearances. He shared anecdotes from his closing days, like the adrenaline of ninth-inning saves, and credited Mariano Rivera as an inspiration. "Mo set the bar; I just tried to reach it," he said.

The induction ceremony, attended by over 40,000 fans and dozens of Hall of Famers including Derek Jeter, Ken Griffey Jr., and Pedro Martinez, was a reminder of baseball's enduring appeal. Commissioner Rob Manfred praised the class for their contributions, noting how Ichiro globalized the game, Sabathia exemplified resilience, and Wagner represented perseverance. The event featured video montages of their careers, from Ichiro's laser throws from the outfield to Sabathia's no-hitter bids and Wagner's blazing fastballs.

As the plaques were unveiled, the inductees shared a moment of camaraderie on stage, with Ichiro cracking one last joke: "CC, you struck me out a few times – but I got a hit off you once, so we're even." The laughter echoed through Cooperstown, a fitting end to a day that celebrated not just statistics, but the human stories behind them. This Class of 2025 joins the pantheon, ensuring their legacies inspire future generations. For Ichiro, Sabathia, and Wagner, the journey to immortality is complete, marked by humor, heart, and the timeless crack of the bat.

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Read the Full Cleveland.com Article at:
[ https://www.cleveland.com/guardians/2025/07/ichiro-suzuki-adds-humorous-touches-to-hall-of-fame-induction-as-part-of-class-that-includes-cc-sabathia.html ]