Baseball Hall of Fame 2025: Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner Lead the Class to Cooperstown

Cooperstown welcomes a historic class in 2025, featuring three icons representing distinct aspects of baseball greatness: a record-breaking hit machine, a durable and determined pitching workhorse, and a dominant relief ace. Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner were officially elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on Tuesday night, culminating in a memorable moment for fans of the sport.

Table of Contents

Ichiro Suzuki: A Global Icon

Ichiro Suzuki’s election to the Hall of Fame was nearly unanimous. Garnering 393 out of 394 votes, Suzuki’s 99.746% share ranks as the second-highest percentage for a position player, just behind Derek Jeter’s 99.748% in 2020. Suzuki’s induction solidifies his place as one of baseball’s most unique and influential players.

As the first Japanese player to earn a spot in Cooperstown, Suzuki broke barriers and set records with remarkable consistency and flair. Despite starting his MLB career at 27 years old, Ichiro amassed 3,089 hits in the majors and 4,286 hits combined between MLB and Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He remains the only player in MLB history to achieve 10 consecutive 200-hit seasons, a streak that included his record-breaking 262 hits in 2004.

Ichiro’s brilliance extended beyond statistics. His defensive prowess in right field, highlighted by a cannon-like throwing arm and Gold Glove-caliber range, earned him 10 Gold Glove Awards. He won two batting titles and the 2001 AL MVP and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season—a feat that speaks to his immediate impact. With his signature precision, Suzuki elevated the art of hitting while captivating audiences with his style and charisma.

CC Sabathia: A Force on the Mound

Joining Ichiro in the Hall of Fame is CC Sabathia, a towering left-hander whose presence on the mound was as commanding as his durability and determination. Earning 86.8% of the vote in his first year of eligibility, Sabathia becomes one of the rare pitchers to achieve such recognition in his debut year.

Sabathia’s career spanned 19 seasons, during which he compiled 251 wins, a 3.74 ERA, and an impressive 62.3 career WAR. Known for his ability to pitch deep into games and consistently perform in high-pressure situations, Sabathia won the 2007 AL Cy Young Award and played pivotal roles in postseason success, including the New York Yankees’ 2009 World Series championship.

Sabathia’s legacy goes beyond numbers. As a leader in the clubhouse and a mentor to younger players, he embodied the qualities of a consummate professional. His remarkable career serves as a testament to perseverance and adaptability, especially as he transitioned from a power pitcher to a crafty veteran in the latter stages of his career.

Billy Wagner: A Reliever’s Redemption

Rounding out the 2025 Hall of Fame class is Billy Wagner, who finally cleared the 75% voting threshold in his 10th and final year on the ballot. Wagner, who earned 82.5% of the vote, overcame narrow misses in previous years, including a 73.8% showing in 2024, to cement his place in Cooperstown.

Wagner’s dominance as a closer is undeniable. Over his 16-year career, he recorded 422 saves, a 2.31 ERA, and an astonishing 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings—the highest rate among Hall of Fame pitchers. Wagner’s blistering fastball and devastating slider made him one of the most feared relievers of his generation. His success is even more remarkable given his diminutive stature for a power pitcher, standing just 5’10”.

With Wagner’s induction, the Hall of Fame recognizes the growing importance of relievers in baseball’s evolution. His presence in Cooperstown solidifies the notion that excellence in relief pitching is as valuable as any other role on the field.

Veterans’ Committee Selections

In addition to Suzuki, Sabathia, and Wagner, the 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony will also honor veterans’ committee selections Dick Allen and Dave Parker. Both players had storied careers and left lasting impacts on the game. Allen, known for his power and versatility, was a seven-time All-Star and the 1972 AL MVP. Parker, nicknamed “The Cobra,” was a two-time batting champion and a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1979 World Series championship team.

A Multinational Celebration in Cooperstown

The 2025 induction ceremony promises to be a lively and diverse celebration. Suzuki’s international fame ensures that fans from Japan and beyond will travel to Cooperstown to witness this historic moment. Sabathia and Wagner’s contributions to Major League Baseball have similarly earned them widespread respect and admiration.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on July 27 in Cooperstown, New York.

Baseball Hall of Fame Voting Results 2025

Here is a detailed breakdown of the 2025 Hall of Fame voting results:

Ichiro Suzuki: 99.7% (393/394 votes, first year)
CC Sabathia: 86.8% (first year)
Billy Wagner: 82.5% (10th and final year)
Carlos Beltrán: 70.3% (third year)
Andruw Jones: 66.2% (eighth year)
Chase Utley: 39.8% (second year)
Alex Rodríguez: 37.1% (fourth year)
Manny Ramírez: 34.3% (ninth year)
Andy Pettitte: 27.9% (seventh year)
Félix Hernández: 20.6% (first year)
Bobby Abreu: 19.5% (sixth year)
Jimmy Rollins: 18% (fourth year)
Omar Vizquel: 17.8% (eighth year)
Dustin Pedroia: 11.9% (first year)
Mark Buehrle: 11.4% (fifth year)
Francisco Rodríguez: 10.2% (third year)
David Wright: 8.1% (second year)
Players like Curtis Granderson, Adam Jones, and others received minimal support and will not return to the ballot.

Hall of Fame Legacy

The election of Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner reflects the diverse ways players can leave an indelible mark on baseball history. From Suzuki’s artistry at the plate to Sabathia’s grit on the mound and Wagner’s overpowering performances in relief, this year’s inductees showcase the breadth of talent that defines the sport.

As Cooperstown prepares to welcome this illustrious class, baseball fans worldwide will celebrate their achievements, honoring the impact they’ve had on the game’s past, present, and future.

Playoff schedule: Complete playoff bracket and odds for this weekend’s games

NFL divisional schedule: Dates, potential matchups for NFL playoffs

What is my star sign? A guide the astrological signs and what yours says about you

What is leap day? Is 2024 a leap year? Everything you need to know about Feb. 29

Is there a Thursday Night Football game tonight? NFL divisional round schedule

A cold Monday in DC? Here’s Donald Trump’s Inauguration Day weather forecast

What day is the Super Bowl? Date, kickoff time, location, game details

Giuliani gets to keep property, agrees to stop defaming Georgia election workers

Previewing the Broncos’ 2025 offseason after loss to Bills

Previewing the Buccaneers’ 2025 offseason after loss to Commanders

Watch: Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez’s doink for the divisional round

Pitt, down 32 points, ties biggest comeback in women’s NCAA history