Ichiro Suzuki reveals real reason he visited Hall of Fame often
Share and Follow

COOPERSTOWN — Ichiro Suzuki was known for visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame often throughout his major league career. 

On Sunday, he’ll be enshrined there. 

Speaking on Saturday through an interpreter, Ichiro said making the Hall “has never been a goal.” 

Instead, he visited the Hall of Fame to overcome tough times during different seasons in an effort to hit “the reset button.” 

That included when he played two-plus years for the Yankees from 2012-14. 

Although he recorded only 311 out of his 3,089 career regular-season hits while with the Yankees, the time after his trade from Seattle in July 2012 remained unforgettable.

“Spending 2 ½ years in New York was a fantastic experience,” Ichiro shared. “It can also be challenging. Gazing at Manhattan’s skyline sometimes makes you feel as if you don’t quite fit in. It gives that impression occasionally, but it’s an experience everyone should have at least once.”

He spent his time in The Bronx alongside CC Sabathia after they both entered the league in 2001 and now the two are going into Cooperstown together. 

“We were rookies the same year and I always say he stole my Rookie of the Year Award,’’ Sabathia said with a laugh. 

That season, Ichiro received 27 out of the 28 first-place votes, with Sabathia getting the lone remaining vote, as Ichiro led the majors with 242 hits.

Ichiro, though, had the advantage of being 27, having played professionally in Japan for nine seasons before heading to Seattle, while Sabathia was only 20 in his first season with Cleveland. 


Billy Wagner promised to be emotional in the lead-up to his induction after waiting the full 10 years on the ballot — and he got a start Saturday. 

“It was well worth the wait,’’ Wagner said. 

He noted he was representing his part of Virginia, as well as small colleges, having played at Division III Ferrum College in Ferrum, Va. 

“Being the first, there are going to be emotions,’’ Wagner said, pausing to collect himself. “I represent a lot. It’s overwhelming.” 

Wagner is also the first lefty reliever to get into the Hall, which may open the doors for other southpaws. 

“To be the first lefty to be here carries a lot of weight,’’ Wagner said. 

Wagner finished his career with 422 saves, second all time for lefty closers. 

Only another ex-Met, John Franco, finished with more (424). 

Franco only spent one year on the Hall of Fame ballot, a product of bad timing as much as anything. 

That 2011 ballot included 13 Hall of Famers and Franco failed to get the 5 percent necessary to remain on the ballot another year, coming up short with 4.6 percent. 

He’d have to rely on a veteran’s committee to get in at some point, which is how a pair of other inductees this year, Dick Allen and Dave Parker, made it. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Hands-free driving bills have been filed in Florida. Here's what to know

Florida Moves Towards Safer Roads: New Hands-Free Driving Legislation Introduced

Efforts are underway to toughen Florida’s laws against texting and driving. TAMPA,…
Tomlin breaks cover after Steelers exit to cheer on gymnast daughter

Ex-Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Makes Headlines Cheering for Gymnast Daughter’s Big Moment

On Friday night, Mike Tomlin set aside his usual Pittsburgh Steelers gear…
Rachel Ward speaks out after viciously trolled for no make-up selfie

Rachel Ward Defies Online Trolls: Embraces Natural Beauty with Empowering No-Makeup Selfie

Rachel Ward, the enchanting English actress known for her role in the…
Donald Trump tariffs Greenland: Trump says 8 European countries will be charged 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland

Trump Imposes 10% Tariff on 8 European Nations Over Greenland Dispute

In a bold move that has sparked international attention, President Donald Trump…
Mets claim young infielder Tsung-Che Cheng off waivers

Mets Strengthen Infield with Waiver Claim of Rising Star Tsung-Che Cheng

On Friday, the Mets made moves to bolster their infield, adding more…
How Mike Sullivan reacted to Letter 2.0 as Rangers struggle in first season

Mike Sullivan’s Bold Response to Letter 2.0 Amidst Rangers’ Challenging Debut Season

PHILADELPHIA – Upon stepping into his new role as head coach of…
Cat caught on camera starting dangerous kitchen fire after jumping on stove and turning on burner

Surveillance Footage Captures Cat Accidentally Igniting Kitchen Fire by Activating Stove Burner

A feline in Dallas County, Texas, inadvertently sparked a kitchen fire earlier…
Police warn of ‘door kicking challenge’ that can turn viral prank ‘from funny to fatal’

Law Enforcement Issues Caution Over Potentially Dangerous ‘Door Kicking Challenge’ Prank

Florida teens arrested for viral ‘door kick challenge’ In a move highlighting…