With 52 returning Hall of Famers on hand, Suzuki paid homage to his new baseball home in Cooperstown and his adoring fans by delivering his 18-minute speech in English. His humor, a surprise to many, delighted the crowd. He threw shade at the Miami Marlins, the last stop of his professional career.

Ichiro Suzuki was always known for his meticulous preparation during his 19-year Major League Baseball career.

Nor was it a surprise that being in the place he called “a sacred baseball land” would bring out his best oratory.

Pirates' legend Dave Parker passed away less than a month away from his induction ceremony, making his son's speech hit that much harder as it happened.