Dick Allen, Dave Parker, CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki and Billy Wagner Inducted as Class of 2025 at Hall of Fame

(COOPERSTOWN, N.Y.) – It wouldn’t be baseball without a summer rain delay at the start of the action.

It wouldn’t be Cooperstown without the greatest players in history returning for the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

After a one-hour wait to start the festivities while the weather cleared on a 78-degree afternoon, the Class of 2025 took its place in history. An estimated crowd of 30,000 – and a national and international television audience via MLB Network – shook off the raindrops and cheered as Dick Allen, Dave Parker, CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki and Billy Wagner were inducted in front of 52 returning Hall of Famers on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center.

Wagner, who amassed 422 saves over 16 years with the Astros, Phillies, Mets, Red Sox and Braves, let his emotions run free during a moving induction speech, welling up even before he began.

“Being up here today, I feel like my baseball life has become full circle,” Wagner said. “This journey was shaped by my love of the game, the lessons of the game and by my love and respect for my family, my teammates and my coaches.”

Parker, a five-tool superstar with the Pirates, Reds, Athletics, Brewers, Angels and Blue Jays, was a two-time NL batting champion and the 1978 NL Most Valuable Player. He passed away on June 28 after a long illness but was thrilled to learn he was headed for Cooperstown when he was elected by the Classic Baseball Era Committee in December.

His son, David Parker II, delivered the speech for his father, recounting how his “Pops” inspired countless others.

“I don’t care about your numbers. I just want you here for your leadership,” Parker II remembered Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa telling his father when he was traded to the Athletics. “Teach these kids how to win.”

Allen played 15 seasons with the Phillies, Cardinals, Dodgers, White Sox and Athletics, winning the 1964 National League Rookie of the Year Award and the 1972 American League MVP. One of the most feared power hitters of his era, Allen – who passed away in 2020 – was represented on the Induction Stage by his widow, Willa Allen.

“Although he is not physically here to accept the honor, I assure you he is with us,” Willa Allen said. “I know he is smiling right now, knowing his story is finally being recognized in this very special way.”

Sabathia, the owner of 251 wins and 3,093 strikeouts over 19 seasons with Cleveland, Milwaukee and the New York Yankees, shared his journey from Vallejo, Calif., to the Hall of Fame in his speech.

“It’s been a long road, but I wouldn’t have made it without the women in my life guiding me,” Sabathia said. “Thank you, Baseball Hall of Fame, for making the Sabathias a part of your family.”

Ichiro, the first Japanese electee to the Hall of Fame, delivered his speech in English – and had the fans laughing with his self-deprecating humor – something his teammates often saw over 19 record-setting seasons in the big leagues with the Mariners, Yankees and Marlins.

“Today, I am feeling something I thought I would never feel again. I am a rookie,” said Ichiro, referencing his previous debuts with the Orix BlueWave and Seattle Mariners and now joining the Hall of Fame fraternity. “But please (addressing the Hall of Famers on stage), I am 51 years old now. Easy on the hazing.”

Other highlights from Sunday included:

**The 2025 Award Winners were acknowledged on the Induction Ceremony stage: BBWAA Career Excellence Award winner Thomas Boswell and Ford C. Frick Award winner Tom Hamilton.

**The many Mariners and Yankees fans in attendance gave warm welcomes to their favorite players like Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter, Edgar Martinez and Mariano Rivera. But the loudest applause during the introductions of the returning Hall of Famers was reserved for 89-year-old Sandy Koufax, who is the longest tenured Hall of Famer in history, having been a Hall of Famer for almost 60 percent of his life.

**Nikko Smith, the award-winning singer/songwriter and son of Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Video replays of Sunday’s Induction Ceremony speeches of Willa Allen (representing Dick Allen), David Parker II (representing Dave Parker), CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki and Billy Wagner will be available this evening at baseballhall.org/mediainfo.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame’s 2026 Induction Weekend will take place July 24-27, with the Induction Ceremony scheduled for Sunday, July 26. For more information, please visit baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/future-eligibles.