Ichiro, Sabathia, Wagner Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame; Buehrle Falls Short

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Baseball legends Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner were elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Tuesday night, marking a historic moment for the sport. Ichiro and Sabathia secured their spots on their first ballots, while Wagner earned his place on his 10th and final attempt.

Ichiro, the Japanese sensation who revolutionized the game with his hitting and fielding, and Sabathia, a dominant left-handed pitcher, were both first-ballot inductees. Wagner, one of the most feared closers in baseball history, finally received the necessary votes after years of falling short.

However, the announcement brought disappointment for Chicago White Sox fans, as former ace Mark Buehrle failed to secure election. Buehrle received 11.4 percent of the vote, enough to remain on the ballot for another year but far short of the 75 percent required for induction. The 45-year-old left-hander spent 16 seasons in Major League Baseball, including 12 with the White Sox, one with the Miami Marlins, and three with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Buehrle compiled a career record of 214-160 with a 3.81 ERA, highlighted by a perfect game in 2009. He led the American League in innings pitched twice, earned four All-Star selections, and won three Gold Glove Awards. Buehrle was instrumental in the White Sox’s 2005 World Series championship, posting a 2-1 record in the postseason that year.

Despite his impressive resume, Buehrle’s Hall of Fame candidacy has been a topic of debate. His durability and consistency were hallmarks of his career, as he made at least 30 starts in 14 consecutive seasons. He retired after the 2015 season, finishing his career with the Blue Jays.

Meanwhile, Sabathia’s election cements his legacy as one of the most accomplished pitchers of his era. The 6-foot-6 lefty won 251 games, struck out over 3,000 batters, and was a key figure in the New York Yankees’ 2009 World Series championship. Wagner, known for his blazing fastball, recorded 422 saves and posted a career ERA of 2.31, one of the lowest among relievers in history.

The 2025 Hall of Fame class will be officially inducted in Cooperstown this summer, joining baseball’s most revered figures. For Buehrle, the wait continues, but his contributions to the game remain undeniable.