Written by: Bill Francis

Billy Wagner

Pitcher

Class of 2025

Billy Wagner

Pitcher

Class of 2025
A childhood injury put Billy Wagner on a course to Cooperstown as one of the game's greatest closers.

Games

Birth year

About Billy Wagner

On the road to becoming one of the game’s greatest closers, Billy Wagner had much to overcome.

His childhood was anything but easy. And at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, many thought he didn’t look the part of an overpowering pitcher.

Yet, when his 16-year MLB career came to an end, no one could deny that Billy the Kid was one of the best.

Growing up in rural Virginia, a broken arm before age 7 forced Wagner – a natural right-hander – to become a lefty thrower.

The Basics

Year inducted
2025
Birth Place
Marion, Virginia
Birth Year
1971

Career at a Glance

Primary Team
Houston Astros
Primary Position
Pitcher
Played For
Houston Astros, 1995-2003
Philadelphia Phillies, 2004-2005
New York Mets, 2006-2009
Boston Red Sox, 2009
Atlanta Braves, 2010

Career MLB Stats

Games
853
Wins
47
Losses
40
Winning %
.540
Saves
422
Hits
601
Walks
300
Runs
262
Innings Pitched
903
Earned Runs
232
Strikeouts
1,196
ERA
2.31
WHIP
0.998

CC Sabathia

Pitcher

Class of 2025

CC Sabathia

Pitcher

Class of 2025
Carsten Charles Sabathia carved out a legacy as one of the most durable and effective left-handed starters the game has ever seen.

Games

Birth year

About CC Sabathia

CC Sabathia debuted in the major leagues as a 20-year-old phenom and quickly evolved into an All-Star and Cy Young Award winner before becoming the ace of a World Series winner.

Along the way, Sabathia carved out a legacy as one of the most durable and effective left-handed starters the game has ever seen.

The Basics

Year inducted
2025
Birth Place
Vallejo, California
Birth Year
1980

Career at a Glance

Primary Team
New York Yankees
Primary Position
Pitcher
Played For
Cleveland Indians, 2001-2008
Milwaukee Brewers, 2008
New York Yankees, 2009-2019

Career MLB Stats

Games
561
Wins
251
Losses
161
Winning %
.609
Hits
3,404
Walks
1,099
Runs
1,623
Games Started
560
Innings Pitched
3,577
Completed Games
38
Shutouts
12
Earned Runs
1,485
Strikeouts
3,093
ERA
3.74
WHIP
1.259

CC Sabathia Stories

Explore the archives and go deep into the lives, careers, and stories of the Hall of Fame's honorees.

3,000 Ks for CC

#Shortstops: Playing for the 'Right' Reasons

2000 Hall of Fame Game

Ichiro Suzuki

Right Fielder

Class of 2025

Ichiro Suzuki

Right Fielder

Class of 2025
A legend in Japan before he ever appeared in the majors, Ichiro had a passion for baseball like few before or since.

Games

Birth year

About Ichiro Suzuki

Ichiro Suzuki’s 3,089 hits, 509 stolen bases and 10 Gold Glove Awards tell only part of the story of a player who didn’t appear in a big league game until he was 27 years old.

A legend in Japan before he ever appeared in the majors, Ichiro had a passion for baseball like few before or since.

The Basics

Year inducted
2025
Birth Place
Nishi Kasugai-gun, Japan
Birth Year
1973

Career at a Glance

Primary Team
Seattle Mariners
Primary Position
Right Fielder
Played For
Seattle Mariners, 2001-2012
New York Yankees, 2012-2014
Miami Marlins, 2015-2017
Seattle Mariners, 2018-2019

Career MLB Stats

Games
2,653
At bats
9,934
Hits
3,089
Walks
647
Runs
1,420
Doubles
362
Triples
96
Home Runs
117
RBI
780
Stolen Bases
509
Batting Average
.311
Ops
.757
On Base %
.355
Slugging %
.402

Ichiro Suzuki Stories

Explore the archives and go deep into the lives, careers, and stories of the Hall of Fame's honorees.

Hitting the Mark

CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki and Billy Wagner Elected to Hall of Fame by BBWAA

Ichiro’s legacy preserved forever in Cooperstown

#Shortstops: Ichiro’s Theme: A Love Letter from Seattle

#Shortstops: Ichiro’s Hits

Suzuki’s latest milestone brings 4,000-hit club into focus

Fits Like a Glove

Overseas games bring National Pastime to global audience

Written by: Craig Muder