With CC Sabathia heading into Cooperstown, take a look back at the 2008 season finale that launched the Brewers into the playoffs.

The record books reflect that the best in-season trade in Brewers history happened on July 7, 2008. But thanks to an inside man, CC Sabathia saw it coming. “Dave Riske, one of my lifetime friends,” Sabathia said with a laugh.

The complete story of how the Brewers landed big left-hander CC Sabathia in July 2008, setting the stage for a once-in-a-generation run.

In one of the most incredible runs the franchise had ever seen, the Milwaukee Brewers lost only three of CC Sabathia's 17 regular-season starts after he was acquired in July 2008.

The Baseball Writers' Association of America announced the 2025 Hall of Fame Class on Tuesday, with Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner, Dick Allen

Here's the best chance for a Hall of Famer from this group. The four-time All-Star won the NLCS MVP and World Series MVP in 2008, when the Phillies won their first World Series since 1980 and second overall.

It now appears it's a question of when, not if, Carlos Beltrán will be voted into the Hall of Fame. In fact, next year could be his time, with the ballot wide open. Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner were elected in voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America announced Tuesday night.

Former Milwaukee Brewers left-handed pitcher CC Sabathia was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame Monday, receiving 86.8% of the vote in his first year on the ballot. Ichiro Suzuki and Billy Wagner were also voted in.

Ichiro Suzuki is the first Japanese-born player voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He'll be joined by CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner in the Class of 2025.

Ichiro falls a vote short of being the second unanimous choice ever. CC makes it in his first year of eligibility, Wagner in his last. The recent ballot glut has cleared.

Even in Wisconsin, Ryan Braun is polarizing. When he becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame next year, how long will he last on the ballot?

From no-doubt first-ballot stars to close calls, here's who should be preparing their Cooperstown speeches for each of the next five years.