Ichiro Calls Out Writer Who Didn't Vote Him Into HOF, Jokes Dinner Offer Has Expired

Seattle Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki fell one vote shy of being voted unanimously into the Hall of Fame this year, and the outfielder had jokes for that one dissenting voter.

"Three thousand hits or 262 hits in one season are achievements recognized by the writers. Well, all but one of you," he said during his induction ceremony speech on Sunday. "By the way, the offer for that writer to have dinner at my home has now expired."

Ichiro is famous for being disarmingly funny, and that was on full display in Cooperstown on Sunday.

"Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into your great team," he said in his speech, noting that he was a Hall of Fame rookie much as he had once been a rookie player in both Japan and Seattle. "I hope I can hold the values of the Hall of Fame. But, please, I am 51 years old now, so easy on the hazing."

His career was even more incredible than his wit.

In 19 seasons for the Mariners, New York Yankees and Marlins, he registered 3,089 hits, 117 homers, 780 RBI, 1,420 runs, 509 stolen bases and a lifetime .311 batting average and .757 OPS. He had 200 or more hits in each of his first 10 MLB seasons, leading all of baseball in that mark seven times, and his 262 hits in 2004 set a Major League record.

He was also a 10-time Gold Glover, 10-time All-Star, one-time MVP and two-time batting champion.

There was no doubt that he was going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and he made as strong a case as any to be a unanimous selection, with all but one writer understanding the assignment.

Nonetheless, Ichiro undoubtedly was enjoying his moment on Sunday, even imitating Mariners' broadcaster Rick Rizzs.

For those who don't have the invitation withdrawn, dinner with Ichiro is probably a very entertaining event.