Before & Beyond Ichiro: Time to Honor Nikkei Baseball in Cooperstown
When Ichiro Suzuki is inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025, it will be a moment of celebration—not only for one of the most extraordinary careers in baseball history, but for what it represents. Just as Jackie Robinson’s induction into the Hall in 1962 symbolized a milestone for Black athletes in America, Ichiro’s enshrinement will mark a similar breakthrough: the first Japanese-born player to be formally welcomed into Cooperstown. But this isn’t just about one player. It’s about what comes next. Jackie’s induction more than 60 years ago sparked renewed interest in the stories of Black baseball pioneers who were excluded from the major leagues—athletes who competed in the Negro Leagues and barnstorming circuits long before MLB integration. That historical reckoning led to research, recognition, and eventually, Hall of Fame plaques for legends like Rube Foster, Satchel Paige, and Josh Gibson. Jackie opened the door—and we looked back to see who else deserv...
