Top Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Moments

The National Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed its newest members on Sunday.

Adrian Beltré, Joe Mauer, Todd Helton, and Jim Leyland were officially inducted in a ceremony at Cooperstown. The event featured speeches from all four honorees.

Here are the highlights from the induction ceremony.

Todd Helton

“Welcome to baseball immortality, Todd Helton.”

“This would have meant as much — if not more — to him than it does me,” Helton said about his late father, Jerry. “When I was young, my dad taught me how to swing a bat and pitch a ball. But most importantly, beyond the relentless coaching, my dad made me believe I could stand up here today.”

Helton played 17 seasons with the Rockies . He hit .316/.414/.539 with 2,519 hits, 592 doubles, 369 homers, 1,406 RBI and 1,401 runs. He was a five-time All-Star who won four Silver Sluggers and three Gold Gloves.

Adrian Beltré

“Welcome to baseball immortality, Adrian Beltré.”

One of the fun moments was when Big Papi touched Beltré’s head as he walked to give his speech. Everyone knows Beltré hates that! Ortiz couldn’t resist doing it one last time.

“My path to Cooperstown has been shaped by people who spent time teaching me every step of the way,” Beltré said during his speech. “… To the Rangers fans you have embraced me since day one. Your support for me and my family is incredible.”

Beltré played for many teams but is best known for his time with the Rangers. In 21 seasons he had 3,166 hits and hit .286 with a .480 slugging percentage.

Fans love seeing their favorites get honored like this!

Jim Leyland

“Welcome to baseball immortality, Jim Leyland.”

“My contributions pale in comparison to the joy it has brought me,” Leyland said during his speech. “… It never felt like manager and fans in Pittsburgh; it felt more like manager and friends.”

Leyland managed for 22 seasons starting with the Pirates in 1986. He won three pennants and one World Series title in 1997 with the Marlins.

Joe Mauer

“Welcome to baseball immortality Joe Mauer.”

“It will never be lost on me that the same guys I pretended to be in my yard are men I grew up to know personally,” Mauer said during his speech about fellow Hall of Famers Paul Molitor and Jack Morris.

Mauer played all of his career with the Twins hitting .306 with a .388 on-base percentage over parts of 15 seasons.

What do you think about this year’s Hall of Fame class? Let us know!