There he was, in the flesh, at the Otesaga Resort Hotel on the eve of his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame: Ichiro Suzuki himself. So strong is Ichiro’s aura that even two of the game

The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown honored the class of 2025, including a Cobra, a cannon arm, and a guy who'd never heard of the Marlins.

All-Star right fielder and Seattle Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. But even as Ichiro was awarded the honor alongside CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, it was his speech that stole the show.

It was no surprise that Ichiro's Hall of Fame moment would be brilliant. In his speech, he showed a playful, witty and charming side that many in America rarely got to see.

Speaking to the crowd, Ichiro listed a few of historic achievements to set up the joke about the lone writer's snub. After the vote, Ichiro had offered to host the writer at his home for dinner, but on Sunday, he jokingly made a point to rescind that offer.

This weekend, Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki will become the first Asian player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — To calm his anxious energy the day before his big day, Ichiro did what he always does. To continue reading, log in or subscribe.

The family of legendary Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus — the voice of Seattle baseball for more than three decades — shared a quiet exchange they had with Ichiro.