ONE OF A KIND
He had brief stints with the Yankees and Marlins before finishing his career with the Mariners, retiring in 2019 and remaining with the club as a special assistant to the chairman.
“Ichiro is truly one of a kind,” Mariners president Jerry Dipoto said.
“His commitment, legendary work ethic, physical endurance, mental toughness, attention to detail and passion for the game are all on a different level.”
Sabathia, a left-handed starting pitcher who won a World Series with the New York Yankees, was also elected in his first year of eligibility while Wagner, an imposing closing pitcher, was elected in his 10th and final appearance on the writers’ ballot.
Sabathia pitched more than 3,577 innings and piled up 251 wins. With 3,093 strikeouts he’s one of only 15 pitchers, and one of just three left-handers, with at least 3,000 strikeouts and 250 wins.
He won the American League Cy Young Award with Cleveland in 2007 and helped the Yankees to the 2009 World Series title in the first of his 11 seasons in the Bronx.
Wagner is the ninth closing pitcher to be elected to the Hall of Fame. In 16 seasons with the Astros, Phillies, Mets, Red Sox and Braves he compiled 422 saves with 1,196 strikeouts, earning All-Star honors seven times.
