Suzuki referened the lone writer who did not give him a Hall of Fame vote, saying that a previous invitation to dinner had now "expired."

Fellow Hall of Famers Tony La Russa, Jim Thome and Mauer will join Smith for the $1,000 event. Participants receive a morning reception in the Hall's plaque gallery, a photo with the Hall of Famers, and a commemorative gift to be autographed, along with on-the-field instruction from the Hall of Famers.

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.