Baseball’s global impact will be on full display at Hall of Fame Weekend 2025 as Ichiro Suzuki becomes the first Japanese-born player inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. His enshrinement arrives the same summer the Hall debuts Yakyu | Baseball, a new international exhibit developed in partnership with Japan’s most storied baseball institutions.
Ichiro leads a five-man class that includes CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner, Dick Allen, and Dave Parker. More than 50 Hall of Famers are expected to return to Cooperstown for the four-day celebration from July 25–28. The Induction Ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 27, on the lawn of the Clark Sports Center and will be broadcast live on MLB Network, SiriusXM, and streamed at MLB.com.
The Yakyu exhibit opened earlier this month, coinciding with Ichiro’s induction, and showcases over 150 years of baseball’s transpacific exchange. Artifacts include Ichiro’s Team Japan WBC helmet, gloves from his record-setting 262-hit season, and items on loan from legends like Hideo Nomo and Wally Yonamine. The exhibit also features rare trophies, jerseys, and plaques from Keio University, the Baseball Hall of Fame in Tokyo, and Hanshin Koshien Stadium, underscoring Japan’s deep baseball heritage.
Ichiro’s career spanned 28 professional seasons with 10 Gold Gloves, 10 All-Star nods, 4,367 hits between NPB and MLB, and two World Baseball Classic titles. In January, WBN contributor Yuri Karasawa explored Ichiro’s legacy in Ichiro Becomes First Japanese-Born Hall of Famer, highlighting his influence on stars like Ryuki Watarai and Steven Kwan.
CC Sabathia joins Ichiro as a first-ballot inductee. The left-hander won the 2007 AL Cy Young Award and tallied 251 wins and 3,093 strikeouts over 19 seasons, leading the Yankees to a World Series title in 2009.
Billy Wagner, inducted in his final year of BBWAA eligibility, compiled 422 saves with a 2.31 ERA and 0.998 WHIP over 16 years. His power pitching left a lasting mark despite his 5-foot-10 frame.
Dick Allen, a seven-time All-Star and 1972 AL MVP, is being honored posthumously. He finished with 351 home runs and a career 156 OPS+—tied for sixth-best since the start of the Integration Era.
Dave Parker, who passed away in June 2025, was the 1978 NL MVP and two-time batting champ with over 2,700 hits. He also earned 1979 All-Star Game MVP honors and was known for one of the best outfield arms of his era.
According to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, more than 50 Hall of Famers are expected to attend this year’s induction ceremony in Cooperstown.
Jeff Bagwell, Harold Baines, Adrián Beltré, Johnny Bench, Craig Biggio, Bert Blyleven, Wade Boggs, George Brett, Rod Carew, and Dennis Eckersley.
Rollie Fingers, Carlton Fisk, Pat Gillick, Tom Glavine, Ken Griffey Jr., Todd Helton, Trevor Hoffman, Reggie Jackson, Fergie Jenkins, and Derek Jeter.
Randy Johnson, Jim Kaat, Sandy Koufax, Tony La Russa, Barry Larkin, Jim Leyland, Juan Marichal, Edgar Martínez, Pedro Martínez, and Joe Mauer.
Fred McGriff, Paul Molitor, Jack Morris, Eddie Murray, Tony Oliva, Tony Pérez, Tim Raines, Jim Rice, Cal Ripken, and Mariano Rivera.
Scott Rolen, CC Sabathia, Mike Schmidt, Bud Selig, Ted Simmons, Lee Smith, Ozzie Smith, John Smoltz, Ichiro Suzuki, and Jim Thome.
Joe Torre, Alan Trammell, Billy Wagner, Billy Williams, Dave Winfield, and Robin Yount.
Friday, July 25
Ozzie Smith hosts the Turn Two fundraiser at 8 a.m. with Joe Mauer and Jim Thome at Doubleday Field.
Saturday, July 26
Awards Presentation begins at 3 p.m. at Doubleday Field, honoring Thomas Boswell and Guardians broadcaster Tom Hamilton. The Parade of Legends rolls through Main Street at 6 p.m.
Sunday, July 27
Induction Ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m. at the Clark Sports Center. Fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Fireworks follow at 9 p.m. over Otsego Lake.
Monday, July 28
Ichiro, Sabathia, and Wagner will appear on The Road to Cooperstown podcast, hosted live by Jon Morosi. Tickets are $10 for Hall of Fame members.
This year’s class reflects how baseball has evolved beyond borders. Ichiro’s rise from the Orix BlueWave to a Mariners icon reshaped how the sport scouts, signs, and markets international talent. Allen and Parker’s overdue recognition adds weight to Cooperstown’s continuing effort to honor overlooked greatness. Sabathia and Wagner represent dominant arms in contrasting roles—workhorse and closer.
With more than 50 Hall of Famers in attendance, the 2025 ceremony isn’t just a look back. It’s a milestone in how baseball defines legacy on a global stage.
For event information and museum hours, visit baseballhall.org/yakyu or follow @baseballhall and @worldbasebal_ for updates.
Newly-elected Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Billy Wagner, left, listens as CC Sabathia talks to reporters during a news conference Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Cooperstown, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)
