As we eagerly anticipate the announcement of this year’s Hall of Fame inductees on Tuesday, one name stands out: Ichiro Suzuki.
There’s little doubt he’ll receive a warm welcome as he enters Cooperstown, but the real excitement revolves around whether he will become only the second player ever to achieve unanimous selection, following Mariano Rivera.
When it was time for me to cast my vote, naming Ichiro was an easy decision.
His impressive credentials speak for themselves: ten All-Star selections, an American League Rookie of the Year award, and a Most Valuable Player award highlight a career that swept fans off their feet from day one in 2001.
Over his remarkable span in Major League Baseball, Ichiro collected 3,089 hits and began his MLB journey at 27.
Notably, he managed to secure over 200 hits in each of his first ten seasons with the Seattle Mariners, while also demonstrating defensive brilliance, winning a Gold Glove award every single year.
Even as his career progressed into his late thirties and early forties, watching Ichiro make contact with the ball was a special experience that never grew old.
Reflecting on My Experiences
During my time covering the Yankees from 2012 to 2014, I had the chance to observe Ichiro’s preparation for games, an experience that truly captivated me.
He was a man of routines; every practice, every stretch was executed with a level of focus that explained his sustained success, even if I hadn’t followed his prime years.
One of my most memorable encounters with Ichiro came during a Yankees-Red Sox matchup at Fenway Park in 2014.
The tight quarters in the visiting clubhouse made for a bustling atmosphere as reporters jockeyed for space.
While we gathered at Ichiro’s locker to interview another player, Ichiro was on the ground, deep in a stretch routine.
As I inadvertently crossed into his area, I stepped on his hand.
My immediate apology elicited a wave of laughter from Ichiro, who cheekily remarked that I might need to shed a few pounds.
Relieved that Ichiro’s hand was unharmed, I watched him go on to play well that day, alleviating my guilt.
Though he often preferred to converse in Japanese during interviews, his command of English was impressive, sometimes surpassing that of native speakers.
Regardless of the language he chooses for his induction speech, I am eager to hear him articulate his journey with his signature humor and keen insights.
My Hall of Fame Ballot
This marks my ninth year casting votes, and I have had the honor of supporting 17 players who have since earned their place in Cooperstown, including greats like Adrian Beltré, Todd Helton, and Joe Mauer.
With Ichiro firmly on my ballot, let’s delve into the remaining nine players who will join him for the 2025 Hall of Fame election.
- Carlos Beltrán
- Mark Buehrle
- Andruw Jones
- Andy Pettitte
- Chase Utley
- Billy Wagner
My general rule is to support players I believe in as long as they are still eligible.
There are exceptions; for instance, I removed Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez last year to make room for others who I felt deserved it more in that moment.
If those two gain traction in the future, I would reconsider my stance.
This year’s selections of Beltrán, Buehrle, Jones, Pettitte, Utley, and Wagner felt straightforward; I backed them last year, and they remained deserving candidates.
For a deeper dive into my rationale for those votes, feel free to check out my previous column.
While Dustin Pedroia’s career statistics may not shine with the flash typical of Hall of Famers, his achievements weave a compelling narrative.
Winning the AL Rookie of the Year in 2007 and following it up with an AL MVP title the next year, plus four All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves, and two World Series championships, he undoubtedly left his mark on the game.
Impressively, he is one of just four players to claim both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors within their first two seasons.
But his worth goes beyond accolades.
Over 11 seasons, Pedroia achieved a 53.3 bWAR before injuries began to shadow his career starting at age 33.
His bWAR per 162 games of 5.6 surpasses the average for Hall of Fame second basemen.
During his prime, from 2008 to 2013, he delivered an incredible 34.9 bWAR—a true standout in his position.
Although his overall numbers—.299 batting average, 140 home runs, 725 RBIs, and a 113 OPS+—might not jump off the page as “Hall of Fame-worthy,” his crucial role on two championship teams and his impact during peak years present a strong case.
He was a player who commanded respect on the field, especially in my time following the Yankees.
While I don’t expect Pedroia to get elected this year, he certainly merits further discussion in the years to come.
Though I hadn’t voted for Jimmy Rollins during his first three years on the ballot due to limitations on the number of selections, I always recognized his worthiness.
If more slots had been available, he would have easily been on my radar since his eligibility began in 2022.
With space opening up after removing A-Rod and Manny, I was glad to give Rollins a nod this year.
His accolades stack up against those of Pedroia, featuring a 2007 NL MVP award, four Gold Gloves, and pivotal contributions during consecutive World Series runs.
Rollins’ career statistics are impressive; he stands as the only shortstop to eclipse 2,400 hits, 200 home runs, 400 stolen bases, and 800 extra-base hits—all while holding the record for the most hits in Phillies history.
Having closely followed the careers of four Hall of Fame inductees—Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Mike Mussina, and Randy Johnson—during my time with the Yankees, it’s exciting to see another player I admired, CC Sabathia, approach that honor as well.
Sabathia distinguished himself as a true ace, winning the AL Cy Young Award in 2007 and playing a pivotal role in the Yankees’ 2009 World Series victory.
With a workhorse mentality, he piled up 3,577 1/3 innings—the most for any pitcher since 1989—while securing 250 wins and racking up over 3,000 strikeouts.
Only 15 pitchers in history have matched those feats, placing Sabathia among the elite.
Although he didn’t reach the coveted 300-win milestone, it’s worth noting that the landscape for achieving that in the future appears dim.
His 3.74 career ERA might seem elevated, but it reflects an era of potent offenses, while his 116 ERA+ showcases a pitcher deserving of Hall of Fame recognition.
With five top-5 finishes in Cy Young voting, Sabathia unquestionably shined during his prime.
Beyond the numbers, Sabathia was a teammate you could count on—steady, respected, and dedicated.
He represented the essence of a workhorse, emphasizing team success over individual accolades.
It’s fitting that his stellar career should lead him to the Hall of Fame this week.
