Adrián Beltré, a five-time Gold Glove winner and four-time Silver Slugger recipient at third base, and former batting champions Todd Helton and Joe Mauer were elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Tuesday in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

A trio of legendary baseball stars who shined brightest in the early years of the 21st century – third baseman Adrián Beltré, first baseman Todd Helton and catcher Joe Mauer – have now been added to the game’s all-time roster in Cooperstown.

“To end up in Cooperstown after starting as not a very good player, minor league manager,” Leyland said. “I don't want to get corny, but it's unbelievable. I've never had any thoughts of going to Cooperstown. It's a remarkable accomplishment. I guess I'm bragging a little bit, but I'm very proud of it. And I'm very humbled by it. But I am extremely proud to have gotten that call. Not many people get that. It's hard to get that call.”

Leyland, a minor league catcher who made it as high as Double-A before embarking on a 22-season career as a skipper in the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Florida Marlins, Colorado Rockies and Detroit Tigers, was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, Dec. 3. He becomes the 23rd manager honored in Cooperstown.

Leyland was named on 15 of 16 ballots as the only candidate to reach the 75-percent threshold necessary for election via the Contemporary Baseball Era ballot.

Leyland, 78, will be joined in the Class of 2024 by Adrián Beltré, Todd Helton and Joe Mauer, who were elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.