Ichiro criticizes writer for excluding him from Baseball Hall of Fame ballot

Ichiro Suzuki was officially inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame during a ceremony held in Cooperstown, New York. The former Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, and Miami Marlins outfielder received 393 out of a possible 394 votes to secure his spot in the Hall of Fame. Only Mariano Rivera achieved unanimous first-ballot Hall of Fame status.

Earlier this year, Suzuki had offered to meet the sole writer who did not vote for him for dinner to discuss the decision. However, the dinner did not materialize, and Suzuki eventually withdrew the invitation.

In his speech at the induction ceremony, Suzuki humorously mentioned that he had never heard of the Marlins when they offered him a contract in 2015.

Baseball Hall of Fame inductees, from left to right, Billy Wagner, Ichiro Suzuki, and CC Sabathia pose for a photo at the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown, New York, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Joining Suzuki in the Hall of Fame were CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, along with Dave Parker and Dick Allen elected by the Era Committee.

Suzuki reflected on his career, stating, “Baseball taught me valuable life lessons and the importance of dedication. Playing at the highest level until the age of 45 required complete commitment and attention to detail every single day for all 19 seasons.”

Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki, #51, during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park in Detroit on July 23, 2009. (Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports)

Suzuki expressed that his goal was never to make it to the Baseball Hall of Fame, but now that he has achieved it, he considers it a “fantastic dream.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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