Ichiro Suzuki expresses a desire to share a drink with the voter who opted not to include his name on the Hall of Fame ballot. This sentiment reflects his humility and willingness to engage in conversation, even with those who may have overlooked his remarkable career.
Having visited the Hall of Fame seven times prior, Suzuki attended a news conference on Thursday alongside fellow inductees CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner. The three baseball legends are set to be honored on July 27, joining Dave Parker and Dick Allen, who were voted in last month by the classic era committee.
Suzuki finds it challenging to fully grasp the significance of being the first player from Japan to be elected to the Hall of Fame. “Maybe five, 10 years from now I could look back, and maybe we’ll be able to say this is what it meant,” he reflected, indicating a future perspective on his achievement.
In a light-hearted moment, Sabathia jokingly remarked, “He stole my Rookie of the Year,” recalling a memorable game at Safeco Field on July 30, 2005. Sabathia had prepared for the matchup by working on a slider with his pitching coach, only to see Suzuki hit a remarkable 428-foot home run off it, a defining moment in both players’ careers.
That second home run not only broke a tie but also secured the Mariners’ 3-2 victory, showcasing Suzuki’s ability to perform under pressure.
As the trio reminisced about their favorite memorabilia, Suzuki highlighted a unique mockup Hall of Fame plaque featuring his dog, Ikkyu. “Our dog and then Bob Feller’s cat are the only animals to have the Hall of Fame plaque. That is something that I cherish,” he shared, illustrating the personal connections that make his journey special.
CC Sabathia, who played a pivotal role in helping the New York Yankees clinch the World Series in 2009, reflected on his career transitions. He signed a lucrative $161 million contract as a free agent, initially feeling apprehensive about joining the storied franchise. However, his early experiences in spring training quickly dispelled his concerns as he bonded with teammates like Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte.
[Related: Sabathia believes former teammate Andy Pettitte belongs in the Hall of Fame]
Billy Wagner, who was visibly emotional just two days after learning of his election, shared his feelings of humility. “It’s humbling,” he said, reflecting on the ten years of scrutiny he faced before receiving this honor.
Standing at 5-foot-10, Wagner made history as the first left-handed pitcher primarily recognized as a reliever to be elected to the Hall. He echoed the sentiments of fellow Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez, emphasizing that size and background should not hinder aspiring players. “If I can get here, anyone can get here,” Wagner stated, inspiring future generations.
