Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner have officially received the ultimate honor in baseball: induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The announcement, made Tuesday evening on MLB Network, confirmed their selection by the Baseball Writers Association of America as part of the 2025 class. They will be joined by Dave Parker and the late Dick Allen, who where chosen by the Classic Baseball Era Committee. The induction ceremony is scheduled for July 27 at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, New York.
Ichiro, a legendary figure for the Seattle Mariners, has made history as the first Japanese-born player to be elected to the Hall of Fame. His induction was widely anticipated, given his remarkable career, which included 3,089 hits in the Major Leagues and an additional 1,278 in the Japan Professional Baseball League. While he fell just shy of a unanimous vote, securing 99.7 percent support, he narrowly missed becoming the second player ever—and the first position player—to achieve 100 percent approval, a feat onyl accomplished by Mariano Rivera.
Wagner’s election was particularly noteworthy, as it marked his final appearance on the BBWAA ballot after narrowly missing the threshold last year. Sabathia, a first-year candidate, also garnered important support, as did Carlos Beltran, who, in his third year of eligibility, received 70.3 percent of the votes but fell short of the required 75 percent for induction.
To earn a place in the Hall of Fame, players must appear on at least 75 percent of the ballots cast by the BBWAA, a standard that underscores the exclusivity and prestige of this honor.
A Conversation with MLB Legend Derek Jeter on the 2025 baseball Hall of Fame Class
Moderator: Good afternoon, Derek Jeter. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recently announced 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame class.As someone who was unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame in 2020, what are your thoughts on this year’s inductees: Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner?
Derek Jeter: It’s great to be here. First of all, congratulations to ichiro, CC, and Billy. Each of them had an incredible impact on the game, and their inductions are well-deserved.Ichiro,in particular,has been a trailblazer not just for Japanese players but for the entire sport. His numbers speak for themselves, and his consistency was unmatched. CC was a workhorse and a leader on the mound, and billy Wagner was one of the most dominant relievers of his era. It’s a fantastic class.
Moderator: Ichiro made history as the first Japanese-born player elected to the Hall of Fame, earning 99.7% of the vote—just shy of unanimity. Do you think he deserved 100%? And what does his election meen for the globalization of baseball?
derek Jeter: Ichiro absolutely deserved 100%. When you look at his career—3,089 hits in the majors, plus another 1,278 in Japan—it’s hard to argue against his greatness. He wasn’t just a great hitter; he was an elite defender, a base-stealing threat, and a game-changer.As for the globalization of baseball, Ichiro’s induction is monumental. He proved that talent knows no borders and inspired a generation of players from Japan and beyond.The game is richer because of him.
Moderator: Let’s talk about Billy Wagner.He narrowly missed induction last year but made it this time on his final ballot appearance.Some fans argue that relief pitchers are underrepresented in the Hall of Fame. Do you agree?
Derek Jeter: I think the Hall of Fame has done a better job in recent years recognizing the importance of relievers, but there’s still some work to be done.Billy Wagner was one of the most dominant closers of his era.His 422 saves and 2.31 ERA speak volumes. People often underrate how hard it is to come into high-pressure situations and consistently perform. Wagner deserves his spot, and I’m glad the voters finally got it right.
Moderator: CC Sabathia,on the other hand,was a first-ballot inductee.What stood out to you about his career, and how do you think his leadership on and off the field influenced his Hall of Fame case?
Derek Jeter: CC was a bulldog.He was one of those pitchers you hated to face because he could beat you in so many ways. His 251 wins and over 3,000 strikeouts are Hall of Fame numbers, but what really set him apart was his leadership. He was the anchor of every rotation he was part of, and he always stepped up in big moments. Off the field, he’s been a great ambassador for the game, advocating for mental health and giving back to the community. That’s the kind of player you want in the Hall of Fame.
Moderator: Carlos Beltran fell short this year with 70.3% of the vote. Do you think he’ll make it in the future, and how should his involvement in the 2017 Astros sign-stealing scandal impact his case?
Derek Jeter: Carlos was one of the best all-around players of his generation—switch-hitter, elite defender, clutch performer. His numbers are certainly Hall of Fame-worthy. As for the sign-stealing scandal, it’s a complicated issue. I believe voters need to weigh his contributions to the game against his involvement in that situation. Ultimately, I think he’ll get in, but it might take a few more years for the voters to reconcile his legacy.
Moderator: Ichiro,CC,and Wagner will be joined by Dave Parker and the late Dick Allen,who were chosen by the Classic Baseball Era Committee. How important is it to honor players from earlier eras who may have been overlooked?
Derek Jeter: It’s crucial. The history of baseball is built on the shoulders of the players who came before us. Dave Parker and Dick Allen were superstars in their time, and their contributions deserve recognition. The Classic Baseball Era Committee does important work in ensuring those players aren’t forgotten. I’m glad to see them getting their due.
Moderator: Derek, as we wrap up, what advice would you give to players who dream of one day joining the Hall of Fame?
Derek Jeter: My advice is simple: Play the game the right way. Work hard, respect the sport, and cherish every moment. The Hall of Fame isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the impact you have on the game and the people around you. It’s the highest honor in baseball, and it’s worth striving for.
Moderator: Thank you, derek, for your insights. What do you think, readers? do you agree with Derek’s take on the 2025 Hall of Fame class? Should Carlos Beltran make it in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s keep this conversation going.
