Baseball HOF induction roundup: Plaques, speeches from 2025 class

The National Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed its class of 2025 on Sunday as Dick Allen, Dave Parker, CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki, and Billy Wagner were enshrined in Cooperstown. Look at the new inductees' plaques and highlights from their speeches here.

Dick Allen

Elected via Classic Baseball Era Committee
Position: 3B/1B
Career WAR: 58.7
HOF hat: Phillies
HOF plaque:

"Fearlessly wielded a 42-ounce bat with presence and style, combining plate discipline and power to become one of the game's most intimidating hitters during a notorious pitchers' era. Earned 1964 NL Rookie of the Year honors with Phillies after leading league in runs, triples, and total bases during his first of nine straight seasons with at least 20 long balls. Reinvigorated White Sox with 1972 AL MVP campaign, tallying league-best totals in home runs, RBI, and walks. Corner infielder led his league in homers twice, in OPS four times, and was a seven-time All-Star."

Allen died in 2020 at age 78. His widow, Willa Allen, spoke on his behalf.

Dave Parker

Elected via Classic Baseball Era Committee
Position: RF
Career WAR: 40.1
HOF hat: Pirates
HOF plaque:

"Superstar outfielder delivered on the confidence he brought to the ballpark, showcasing skills in every facet of the game. Over first five full seasons, 1975-1979, led NL in total bases and won back-to-back batting crowns (1977, 1978), an MVP award (1978), a World Series ring (1979), three gold gloves and All-Star MVP honors (1979) following legendary display of powerful arm. Topped NL in total bases three times, including consecutive seasons in resurgence with Cincinnati (1985-1986). Selected to seven All-Star teams and twice named baseball's top designated hitter, including 1989 when he won a second World Series title with the A's."

Parker died last month at age 74. His son, David Parker II, spoke on his behalf, and ended with a poem that "The Cobra" had written for the occasion.

CC Sabathia

Position: SP
Career WAR: 61.8
Year on ballot: 1st
Percentage of vote: 86.8%
HOF hat: Yankees
HOF plaque:

"Unrelenting ace was the rock of three franchises' staffs, delivering each to the postseason. Selected as 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner in Cleveland before carrying 2008 Brewers to October with NL-high seven complete games in a half-season. Led Yankees to 2009 World Series title with league-leading 19 wins, starting Game 1 of all three postseason series and earning ALCS Most Valuable Player honors. Six-time All-Star won 251 games, reached the 200-innings mark in eight seasons, and finished in the top five of Cy Young Award voting five times. Became third left-handed member of 3,000-strikeout club."

Ichiro Suzuki

Position: RF
Career WAR: 60.6
Year on ballot: 1st
Percentage of vote: 99.7%
HOF hat: Mariners
HOF plaque:

"With extraordinary work ethic and unparalleled bat control, brought record-setting hit totals to Major League Baseball as its first Japanese-born position player. Electrified 2001 Mariners to record 116-win campaign, earning AL Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors. The only player with 10 straight 200-hit campaigns, 2001-2010. Set all-time single-season hits record with 262 in 2004. An All-Star and Gold Glove outfielder throughout his first decade in the majors, led AL in hit seven times. Won two AL batting titles after capturing seven consecutive in Japan. Totaled 3,089 MLB hits and 509 stolen bases."

Billy Wagner

Position: RP
Career WAR: 27.8
Year on ballot: 10th
Percentage of vote: 82.5%
HOF hat: Astros
HOF plaque:

"Fireballing lefty closer limited baserunners as well as any pitcher in history. Ushered in new era of bullpen dominance, striking out one-third of batters faced across 16-year career. Seven-time All-Star recorded seven seasons with 35-plus saves, becoming fifth pitcher to reach 400 mark. Finished big-league career with 422 saves and a 2.31 ERA after playing collegiately at Division III level. Retired at the top of his game as one of only two pitchers to ever finish a career with a sub-1.00 WHIP in more than 500 innings."

(Videos courtesy: MLB.com)