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."

Lefty starter CC Sabathia, outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, and lefty reliever Billy Wagner were voted into the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America. First baseman Dick Allen and outfielder Dave Parker were voted into Cooperstown by the Hall of Fame's Classic Baseball Era Committee.

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.