Will ichiro Suzuki Join Mariano Rivera as a Unanimous Hall of Famer?
Ichiro SuzukiS induction into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025 seems all but guaranteed. Though, a more intriguing question surrounds his candidacy: will he become only the second player in history to achieve unanimous election?
While the official vote by the Baseball Writers’ Association of North America (BBWAA) remains shrouded in secrecy until January 21, 2025, a recent poll of 55 MLB.com experts offers a glimpse into the potential outcome. While most experts don’t predict a unanimous selection for Suzuki, the fact that 25 believe it’s possible is significant, considering mariano Rivera stands alone as the sole unanimous inductee.
Suzuki’s case for joining Rivera in the pantheon of unanimous Hall of Famers is compelling. The seattle Mariners legend is widely regarded as one of the purest hitters in baseball history, amassing over 3,000 hits despite entering the MLB at the age of 27. His career batting average of .311 speaks volumes, and he holds the record for most hits in a single Major League season.
Adding to his notable resume are the 1,278 hits Suzuki accumulated in Japan’s professional league before his MLB debut. This brings his total professional hits to an astounding 4,367, further solidifying his place among baseball’s elite.
Suzuki isn’t the first player to make a strong case for unanimous induction besides Rivera. Several other legends have come tantalizingly close,falling just short of achieving this rare feat.
Here’s a look at the five closest calls in voting history:
1.Derek Jeter (2020): 99.7% (396 of 397 votes)
Jeter, a New York Yankees icon, missed unanimous selection by a single vote.The 14-time All-Star spent his entire 20-year career in the Bronx, where he won five World Series titles, including the 2000 World Series MVP award. Jeter also holds the record for most postseason hits with 200.
2. Ken Griffey Jr.(2016): 99.3% (437 of 440 votes)
Three years before Rivera’s historic achievement, Griffey Jr. fell just three votes shy of unanimous induction. Known for his graceful swing, “The Kid” was a 13-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner, and seven-time Silver Slugger winner. Griffey jr. also boasts seven 40-homer seasons and two 50-homer seasons, including a remarkable 56 homers in his 1997 MVP campaign.3. Tom Seaver (1992): 98.8% (425 of 430 votes)
Seaver received only five “no” votes in his first year of eligibility. The right-hander won the 1967 National League rookie of the Year award and three Cy Young Awards,leading the Mets to a World Series title in 1969. He also claimed three ERA titles and five strikeout championships.4. Nolan Ryan (1999): 98.8% (491 of 497 votes)
Ryan’s seven no-hitters during his 27-year MLB career surpassed the number of voters who excluded him from their ballots. This record-breaking feat,along with his 5,714 career strikeouts (also a record),solidified his place as a pitching legend. Ryan also won two ERA titles and led the league in strikeouts 11 times.
5. Cal Ripken Jr. (2007): 98.5% (537 of 545 votes)
Ripken Jr., nicknamed “Iron Man” for his record 2,632 consecutive games played, earned 19 all-Star selections, eight Silver Slugger awards, and two Gold Glove awards. He was also a two-time MVP and a World Series champion in 1983.
Suzuki’s impressive career statistics and his impact on the game make him a strong contender for unanimous induction. While the final vote remains to be seen, his candidacy adds another layer of intrigue to the 2025 Hall of Fame class.
Will Ichiro Suzuki Join Mariano Rivera as a Unanimous Hall of Famer?
The anticipation for the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame class is palpable, with Ichiro Suzuki’s induction seeming almost inevitable. But beyond his guaranteed enshrinement, a more tantalizing question hangs in the air: will ichiro become only the second player, joining Mariano Rivera, to reach baseball immortality through a unanimous vote by the Baseball Writers’ Association of North America (BBWAA)?
While the official results remain under wraps until January 21, 2025, a recent poll of 55 MLB.com experts provides a fascinating sneak peek. The poll’s findings, revealing that 25 experts believe a unanimous selection for Ichiro is possible, inject a compelling layer of intrigue into the conversation.
Mariano rivera’s 2019 unanimous induction set an incredibly high bar. To join him,Ichiro’s candidacy must resonate profoundly with every single voter.
Suzuki’s case, though, is undeniably strong. His resume is overflowing with accolades: 10-time All-Star, 10 Gold Glove awards, a Most Valuable Player award, a Rookie of the Year award, and two batting titles. He transcended cultural boundaries, captivating fans worldwide with his captivating hitting style and unwavering professionalism. His impact on the game, both on the field and off, is undeniable.
Still, predicting a unanimous outcome is a perilous game. Every voter brings their own criteria, biases, and interpretations to the table. Some may hold onto deeply ingrained opinions about conventional statistical benchmarks, while others might prioritize specific eras or positions.
Ultimately, while Ichiro’s path to Cooperstown appears paved with gold, achieving unanimous status presents a unique challenge. While 25 out of 55 experts believing in that possibility is meaningful, it underscores the complexity of the voting process.
The wait until January 21st promises to be filled with suspense and speculation. one thing is certain: baseball fans around the world will be glued to their screens, eager to witness whether Ichiro Suzuki joins the exclusive club of unanimous Hall of Famers.
