That was one of the best debut seasons ever. Ichiro was an All-Star and won a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove award in right field. He not only coasted to the Rookie of the Year award but narrowly surpassed Jason Giambi to win the MVP. He joined Fred Lynn as the only rookies to be named the Most Valuable Player.

A leadoff hitter, an ace starter and a lockdown closer walk into a Hall … It’s no joke. The National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 is complete after Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner

Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner were elected into the Baseball HOF last night, and Cooperstown could be in for a record-breaking ceremony when they are inducted on July 27 along with Dave Parker and Dick Allen.

The Hall of Fame doors will open to Ichiro Suzuki, to CC Sabathia, and to Billy Wagner, and that’s a solid trio.

Before being voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Tuesday evening, CC Sabathia was already part of an exclusive club called the "Black Aces" -- 15 African American pitchers who had the distinction of winning 20 or more games in a Major League Baseball season.

These three players, along with Dave Parker and Dick Allen, who were chosen by the most recent Era Committee, will be inducted in Cooperstown this coming summer. The necessary first step, though, is clearing that 75% threshold for election and then getting the official call from the Hall.

Suzuki is the first Japanese player elected, falling one vote shy of unanimous. The trio will be inducted on July 27 in Cooperstown, N.Y., along with classic era committee picks Dave Parker and

The BBWAA recognized CC Sabathia’s prolonged excellence by voting the former Yankees left-hander into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

After being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on Tuesday afternoon, Seattle Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki got a surprise call from fellow Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr.

Used to leading off, Ichiro Suzuki got antsy when he had to wait. Considered a no-doubt pick for baseball’s Hall of Fame and possibly the second unanimous selection, he waited by the phone for the expected call Tuesday.

Which Phillies stand the best chance to go into Hall of Fame with Dick Allen? Utley's path to Cooperstown remains promising. The longtime Phillies second basem