These three pitchers changed the game in different ways – and are now MLB Hall of Famers forever

This Sunday marked the induction ceremony for the MLB Hall of Fame’s class of 2025, with Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner taking their place among baseball’s greatest at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown. Also honored were the late Dave Parker and Dick Allen, with their families in attendance to accept the recognition on their behalf.

Ichiro Suzuki

Twenty-four years ago, he became the first Japanese position player in Major League Baseball when he joined the Seattle Mariners. Now, he makes history again as the first Asian player ever inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame. Ichiro came just one vote short of becoming the first position player to be elected unanimously.

Over 19 seasons with the Mariners, Yankees and Marlins, Ichiro racked up 3,089 hits and 509 stolen bases, batted .311, was named an All-Star 10 times, won 10 Gold Gloves and earned three Silver Slugger awards in right field.

CC Sabathia

Sabathia was a cornerstone pitcher for three franchises, leading all of them to the postseason, but his most memorable run came in New York.

He played a key role for the Bronx Bombers’ 2009 World Series title, winning 19 games – the most in the league that year – and starting Game 1 of all three playoff series. He was named ALCS MVP. In 2007, he won the AL Cy Young Award with the then-Cleveland Indians, and followed it up with a standout half-season performance for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008.

Billy Wagner

Over a 16-year MLB career, Wagner struck out one out of every three batters he faced. He was selected to seven All-Star Games and notched seven seasons with 35 or more saves, becoming the fifth pitcher in history to surpass the 400-save mark.

He retired with 422 saves and a 2.31 ERA, and remains one of only two pitchers ever to finish their career with a WHIP under 1.00 across more than 500 innings.

Dave Parker

During his first five full seasons, from 1975 to 1979, Parker led the National League in total bases, won back-to-back batting titles in 1977 and 1978, claimed the 1978 MVP award, captured a World Series in 1979, earned three Gold Gloves, and took home All-Star Game MVP honors in 1979.

Parker passed away last month at age 74. His son, David Parker II, delivered a speech in his honor and closed with a poem his father had written for the occasion.

Dick Allen

Allen won National League Rookie of the Year in 1964 with the Phillies, leading the league in runs, triples and total bases in the first of what would become nine straight seasons with 20 or more home runs.

A two-time home run champion and four-time OPS leader, Allen was selected to seven All-Star Games. He died in 2020 at age 78. His wife, Willa Allen, delivered the speech on his behalf.

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