Ichiro Suzuki Makes History as First Japanese Player Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame

Ichiro Suzuki has created more history.

The legendary player from Japan has become the first Japanese player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class.

While he fell one vote short of being unanimously selected, Ichiro Suzuki still made it into the Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class. He is the first player from Japan to receive this honor.

Joining Suzuki in the 2025 Hall of Fame class are C.C. Sabathia and Billy Wagner, each receiving significant votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Sabathia and Wagner, along with Suzuki, will be honored in the 2025 Hall of Fame class. Sabathia garnered 86.8% of the vote, while Wagner received 82.5%.

Dave Parker and Dick Allen will also be part of the 2025 class, having been voted in by the classic era committee.

Despite not achieving a unanimous vote, Ichiro Suzuki joins the ranks of baseball greats in the Hall of Fame. He follows in the footsteps of Mariano Rivera, who was the only player to be unanimously selected for induction.

Suzuki’s career in Major League Baseball was marked by remarkable achievements and records, solidifying his legacy as one of the best contact hitters in the history of the sport.

Alongside Suzuki, Sabathia and Wagner, other notable players were also considered for induction into the Hall of Fame but fell short in the voting process.

The 2026 ballot will feature new names, including Cole Hamels, Ryan Braun, and Matt Kemp.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.