Ichiro Suzuki reveals real reason he visited Hall of Fame often
Share this @internewscast.com

COOPERSTOWN — Ichiro Suzuki was known for visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame often throughout his major league career. 

On Sunday, he’ll be enshrined there. 

Speaking on Saturday through an interpreter, Ichiro said making the Hall “has never been a goal.” 

Instead, he visited the Hall of Fame to overcome tough times during different seasons in an effort to hit “the reset button.” 

That included when he played two-plus years for the Yankees from 2012-14. 

Although he only accumulated 311 of his 3,089 career regular-season hits while with the Yankees, his time there after being traded from Seattle in July 2012 was unforgettable.

“My 2 ½ years in New York was an amazing experience,” Ichiro shared. “It can be challenging. Glancing at the Manhattan skyline, there’s a sense of ‘You don’t belong here.’ It occasionally feels that way, but it’s an experience I believe everyone should have at least once.”

He spent his time in The Bronx alongside CC Sabathia after they both entered the league in 2001 and now the two are going into Cooperstown together. 

“We were rookies the same year and I always say he stole my Rookie of the Year Award,’’ Sabathia said with a laugh. 

During that season, Ichiro claimed 27 out of 28 first-place votes, with Sabathia receiving the remaining one, as Ichiro led the majors by racking up 242 hits.

Ichiro, though, had the advantage of being 27, having played professionally in Japan for nine seasons before heading to Seattle, while Sabathia was only 20 in his first season with Cleveland. 


Billy Wagner promised to be emotional in the lead-up to his induction after waiting the full 10 years on the ballot — and he got a start Saturday. 

“It was well worth the wait,’’ Wagner said. 

He noted he was representing his part of Virginia, as well as small colleges, having played at Division III Ferrum College in Ferrum, Va. 

“Being the first, there are going to be emotions,’’ Wagner said, pausing to collect himself. “I represent a lot. It’s overwhelming.” 

Wagner is also the first lefty reliever to get into the Hall, which may open the doors for other southpaws. 

“To be the first lefty to be here carries a lot of weight,’’ Wagner said. 

Wagner finished his career with 422 saves, second all time for lefty closers. 

Only another ex-Met, John Franco, finished with more (424). 

Franco only spent one year on the Hall of Fame ballot, a product of bad timing as much as anything. 

That 2011 ballot included 13 Hall of Famers and Franco failed to get the 5 percent necessary to remain on the ballot another year, coming up short with 4.6 percent. 

He’d have to rely on a veteran’s committee to get in at some point, which is how a pair of other inductees this year, Dick Allen and Dave Parker, made it. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Cancer survivor reveals fitness trick as he swims 10K across Long Island Sound

Cancer survivor shares fitness secret after completing 10K swim across Long Island Sound

The Long Island Sound stretches a whopping 110 miles, from New York…
Photo of Thais Bonatti.

Tragic Accident: Female Comedian Dies After Being Struck by Truck Driven by Ex-Judge with Nude Passenger

A young comedian tragically lost her life in a terrible accident when…
Aeroflot Airbus A321-211 parked at an airport.

Massive Pro-Ukraine Cyberattack Cripples Putin’s Aeroflot Airline, Disrupting Flights and Plunging IT Systems into Chaos

RUSSIA’S main state airline Aeroflot was crippled by a “massive hack” today,…
Shooting outside Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada leaves multiple injured; suspect in custody

Several Injured in Reno Shooting Near Grand Sierra Resort; Suspect Apprehended

A gunman launched an attack near a casino in Reno, Nevada, on…
White Pura smart home fragrance diffuser.

Urgent Recall: Hazardous Product Sold at Walmart & Target Poses Severe Risk to Children

A PRODUCT sold at Target and Walmart has been recalled after posing…
JSO disperse '600 to 700' minors near Friendship Fountain for 'takeover' event

Police Disperse Hundreds of Minors Gathered at Friendship Fountain for ‘Takeover’ Event

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the incident violated the city’s local curfew…
Chicago weather tomorrow: Heat Advisory issued for Monday; heat index expected to exceed 100 degrees in parts of area

Chicago Weather Update: Heat Advisory for Monday with Heat Index Over 100 Degrees Expected in Some Areas

CHICAGO (WLS) — Potentially dangerous heat is expected to impact the Chicago…

Inventor Julian Brown’s Involvement in Disturbing Missing Persons Reports Sparks Fan Concerns, Prompts Police to Address Rumors

THE family of a popular energy engineer at the center of sick…
poison ivy

Unsure if You’re Allergic to Poison Ivy? Think Again

(NEXSTAR) – You might have avoided the infamous rashes linked to poison…
Texas local official caught mocking DHS secretary as 'Homeland Barbie' after deadly floods

Texas Local Official Mocks DHS Secretary as ‘Homeland Barbie’ Following Fatal Flooding

City officials in Kerrville were caught off guard by the severe flooding…
The Latest: Trump to discuss trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland

Latest Update: Trump to Hold Trade Talks with UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland

President Donald Trump is currently in Scotland for a meeting with British…
Why Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad is being slammed as ‘Nazi propaganda’ by crazed woke mob (Video)

Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Commercial Faces Backlash as ‘Nazi Propaganda’ from Outraged Critics (Video)

Why Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Advertisement Faces Backlash as ‘Nazi Propaganda’ from…