In a historic week for baseball, Ichiro Suzuki solidified his legendary status by being elected to both the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame and the National Baseball Hall of Fame on his first ballot. Pitchers CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner had their names called alongside Ichiro to enter Cooperstown.
Ichiro, who holds the world record for hits with 4,367 across Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball, became the first Asian-born player to enter the hall. His induction was near-unanimous, receiving 99.7% of the vote, just one shy of perfection. JapanBall, In partnership with Sports Travel and Tours (STAT), will conduct a special trip to Cooperstown from July 25 to 28 to witness Ichiro’s induction.
Ichiro’s NPB career with the Orix Blue Wave saw him dominate as a seven-time batting champion and three-time MVP, posting an incredible .353/.421/.522 slash line. After joining the Seattle Mariners in 2001, he broke barriers as the first Japanese-born position player in MLB, winning both the AL Rookie of the Year and MVP awards. He later played for the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins before retiring with the Mariners in 2019.
He dazzled fans with his unique hitting style, elite defense, and speed, accumulating 3,089 hits, ten Gold Gloves, and two batting titles over his 19-year MLB career. In 2004, he set the MLB single-season hits record with 262. Combining his NPB and MLB stats, Ichiro’s career totals include 4,367 hits, 235 home runs, 708 stolen bases, and a .322 batting average.
As for the Japanese Hall of Fame, Ichiro was inducted with 92.6% of the vote. Voters can only make up to seven selections, so some people presumably left him off to make room for other players with less support. Chunichi Dragons closer Hitoki Iwase, the all-time NPB saves leader, and Hanshin Tigers iconic slugger Masayuki Kakefu joined him in the 2025 class.
There were those who initially doubted him, but Ichiro has had a profound and lasting impact on baseball in Japan and worldwide. He continues to be a role model for young players today on both sides of the Pacific, such as Ryuki Watarai of the DeNA BayStars and Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians.
Congratulations, legend!
- NPB Standings
- Central League Hitting Leaders
- Central League Pitching Leaders
- Pacific League Hitting Leaders
- Pacific League Pitching Leaders
- Yakyu Cosmopolitan’s Website
