Adrian Beltre, Todd Helton, Joe Mauer, Jim Leyland reach HOF

[diwataaa]

Texas Rangers great Adrian Beltre set the tone on Sunday as the Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed four new members during the annual induction ceremony at the Clark Sports Center. Beltre, who finished his 21-year career with 3,166 hits and five Gold Gloves at third base, was enshrined along with Twins catcher Joe Mauer and Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, the latter pair becoming baseball's newest one-team Hall of Famers. That puts the Hall's membership at 273 among those who entered as players. Also inducted was longtime manager Jim Leyland, who piloted four teams, including the 1997 World Series champion Florida Marlins. Leyland represented the Detroit Tigers, whom he managed from 2006 to 2013 and led to a pair of AL pennants. Beltre struck a playful tone with many of his remarks, which he said were "maybe 25%" improvised. He was perhaps buoyed by Hall of Famer David Ortiz, who approached Beltre on stage and patted him on the head.

 

[rapmoon]

I think this is a well-deserved honor for all four. Do you think their induction will spark more discussions about who might be next?

 

[Xeth_]

Adrian Beltre and friends hit a home run at the Hall of Fame ceremony—talk about a grand slam of a day! With playful speeches and plenty of baseball glory, it sounds like the perfect mix of nostalgia and celebration!