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Ichiro Suzuki adds humor to Hall of Fame ceremonies as Dick Allen and other honorees are inducted

Baseball Hall of Fame Welcomes Class of 2025 in Emotional Ceremony

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Under a canopy of clear blue skies and amid the rolling green hills of upstate New York, the National Baseball Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2025 on Sunday, a poignant celebration of excellence, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of America's pastime. The ceremonies, held on the lush grounds behind the Clark Sports Center, drew thousands of fans, former players, and baseball luminaries, all gathered to honor four new immortals: outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, pitcher CC Sabathia, closer Billy Wagner, and center fielder Andruw Jones. Each inductee's journey to this hallowed stage was marked by unique triumphs and trials, making the day a tapestry of heartfelt speeches, standing ovations, and reflections on baseball's rich history.

The event kicked off with the traditional parade through Cooperstown's quaint Main Street, where inductees rode in vintage cars, waving to throngs of cheering supporters clad in team jerseys from across eras. Hall of Famers like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Ken Griffey Jr. mingled with the crowd, sharing stories and signing autographs, underscoring the familial bond that ties generations of players together. As the ceremony began, Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark welcomed the audience, emphasizing how these inductees embody the values of dedication, innovation, and resilience that define the sport.

Leading the inductees was Ichiro Suzuki, the Japanese sensation who redefined hitting in Major League Baseball. At 51, Ichiro took the podium with his trademark humility, his speech delivered in a mix of English and Japanese, translated live for the audience. "Baseball is more than a game; it's a bridge between cultures," he said, reflecting on his groundbreaking career that spanned both Nippon Professional Baseball and MLB. Ichiro recounted his arrival in Seattle in 2001, where he won Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in the same season, a feat unmatched in history. He spoke of the pressure of being the first Japanese position player in the majors, the skepticism he faced, and how his laser-focused work ethic—hitting thousands of balls in practice—led to a record 262 hits in 2004. Fans erupted as he recalled his iconic throwing arm, famously nailing runners from the outfield, and his 3,089 MLB hits, which, combined with his Japanese totals, make him the all-time professional hits leader. Ichiro paid tribute to mentors like Mariners legend Edgar Martinez and expressed gratitude to American fans for embracing him. "You made me feel at home," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. The crowd, many waving Japanese flags, gave him a prolonged ovation, a testament to his global impact on the game.

Next up was CC Sabathia, the burly left-hander whose 19-year career was a masterclass in dominance and reinvention. Dressed in a sharp suit, the 45-year-old Sabathia, a product of Vallejo, California, shared stories of his rise from a high school phenom to a Cy Young Award winner. He reminisced about his early days with the Cleveland Indians, where he burst onto the scene in 2001, and his pivotal trade to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008, which propelled them to the playoffs. But it was his tenure with the New York Yankees that defined his legacy, including leading them to the 2009 World Series title with a heroic postseason performance. Sabathia didn't shy away from his personal struggles, openly discussing his battle with alcoholism and how entering rehab in 2015 was a turning point. "Baseball saved me, and I had to save myself to keep playing," he said, drawing nods from fellow Hall of Famers who have faced similar demons. He highlighted his 251 wins, 3,093 strikeouts, and his role as a mentor to young pitchers, especially those from underrepresented communities. Sabathia thanked his family, particularly his wife Amber, and credited Yankees icons like Rivera for guiding him. His speech ended with a call for more diversity in baseball, urging the sport to invest in inner-city programs. The audience, including a large contingent of Yankees fans, roared in approval, chanting "CC! CC!" as he wiped away tears.

Billy Wagner, the flame-throwing closer known as "Billy the Kid," brought a dose of fiery passion to the proceedings. At 53, the Virginia native, who overcame a childhood accident that left him with a mangled right arm, spoke of defying odds throughout his 16-year career. Drafted by the Houston Astros in 1993, Wagner's 100-mph fastball made him one of the most intimidating relievers in history, amassing 422 saves, the sixth-most all-time, and a staggering 1,196 strikeouts in just 903 innings. He recalled his seven All-Star selections and his stints with the Phillies, Mets, Braves, and Red Sox, including a memorable 2006 season with New York where he saved 40 games. Wagner's speech was laced with humor, joking about his diminutive 5-foot-10 stature: "I might be small, but my fastball was big enough to shut down the best." He grew serious when discussing the long wait for induction— this was his 10th year on the ballot— and the evolving appreciation for relievers in Hall voting. Wagner honored his late father and thanked Astros teammate Jeff Bagwell for early encouragement. His words resonated with the reliever fraternity in attendance, including Hall of Famers like Trevor Hoffman and Lee Smith, who stood to applaud.

Rounding out the class was Andruw Jones, the defensive wizard whose glove work in center field set a gold standard. The 48-year-old from Curaçao, who spent most of his career with the Atlanta Braves, captivated the crowd with tales of his 10 consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1998 to 2007. Jones hit 434 home runs, including a league-leading 51 in 2005, but it was his acrobatic catches and cannon arm that earned him the nickname "The Curaçao Kid." In his speech, he reflected on growing up in the Caribbean, idolizing Braves stars like David Justice, and his role in Atlanta's 1990s dynasty, which included the 1995 World Series win. Jones addressed the steroid era's shadow on his career, affirming his clean play and the integrity that got him here after a decade on the ballot. "Defense wins championships, and heart wins respect," he said, dedicating his plaque to the people of Curaçao. Fans from Atlanta waved tomahawk signs, and Jones shared a warm embrace with former teammate Chipper Jones, already enshrined.

The ceremony wasn't just about individual stories; it wove in broader themes of baseball's evolution. Speakers touched on the game's international growth, with Ichiro and Jones representing global talent, and the importance of mental health, echoed in Sabathia's vulnerability. Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch announced new exhibits honoring the inductees, including Ichiro's batting gloves and Sabathia's 2009 World Series ball. The day concluded with the unveiling of the plaques, each etched with career highlights, now to hang eternally in the Hall's gallery.

As the sun set over Cooperstown, fans lingered, swapping memories and debating the merits of future candidates like Alex Rodriguez or Manny Ramirez. The Class of 2025 reminded everyone why baseball endures: it's a game of heroes, heartbreaks, and second chances, forever preserved in this idyllic village. For these four men, the journey to immortality is complete, but their influence on the diamond will inspire generations to come.

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Read the Full Chicago Tribune Article at:
[ https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/27/baseball-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremonies/ ]