Adrian Beltré, Todd Helton, Jim Leyland and Joe Mauer Inducted as Class of 2024 at Hall of Fame
Adrian Beltré, Todd Helton, Jim Leyland and Joe Mauer Inducted as Class of 2024 at Hall of Fame
2024-07-21
(COOPERSTOWN, N.Y.) – The fans came to Cooperstown on Sunday from throughout the country and Latin America to celebrate the Class of 2024 at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s 75th Induction Ceremony.
Adrian Beltré, Todd Helton, Jim Leyland and Joe Mauer responded in turn with induction speeches that honored their families, friends and the game itself.
Fifty-one Hall of Famers took the Induction Stage on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center, greeted partly cloudy skies and 77-degree temperatures. An estimated crowd of 28,000 – and a national television audience on MLB Network – soaked in every word from the newest members of baseball’s most exclusive team.
“To say I’m humbled by this honor does not begin to describe what I’m feeling today,” said Helton, who led off the induction speeches. “Competing on the baseball field was where I felt like I belonged.”
Helton played 17 big league seasons, all with the Colorado Rockies. The five-time All-Star first baseman batted .316 for his career and belted 369 home runs. He was followed at the lectern by Beltré, who played 21 seasons with the Dodgers, Mariners, Red Sox and Rangers, winning five Gold Glove Awards at third base. He becomes the fifth player born in the Dominican Republic to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Beltré’s fellow Dominican Hall of Famer, David Ortiz, surprised Beltre when – just as Beltré was about to start his speech – he crept up behind him on the stage and rubbed his head, a playful gesture many teammates bestowed upon Beltré during his career.
The moment drew a huge laugh from the crowd, which included thousands of Dominican fans.
“Baseball was my passion, and it blessed me with countless opportunities,” Beltré said. “And the best part was: I loved it.”
Leyland, who managed the Pirates, Marlins, Rockies and Tigers for 22 seasons, followed Beltré. He led his teams to six division titles, three pennants and the 1997 World Series championship.
“My contributions to our National Pastime pale in comparison to the joy it has brought to my life,” Leyland said.
Mauer, who played all of his 15 seasons in the majors with the Twins and won a record three American League batting titles as a catcher, hit cleanup on this day.
“Today I am grateful to try my best to describe what it means to here with all of you,” Mauer said. “I am honored to be joining this year’s Hall of Fame class. This moment is truly a dream come true.”
Other highlights from Sunday included:
**The 2024 Award Winners were acknowledged on the Induction Ceremony stage: Ford C. Frick Award winner Joe Castiglione and the late Gerry Fraley, the BBWAA Career Excellence Award winner. Transcripts of Saturday’s Awards Presentation speeches are available at baseballhall.org/mediainfo.
**Anisha Gwynn, daughter of Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn and known throughout the recording world as Anisha Nicole, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Video replays of Sunday’s Induction Ceremony speeches of Adrian Beltré, Todd Helton, Jim Leyland and Joe Mauer will be available this evening at baseballhall.org/mediainfo.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame’s 2025 Induction Weekend will take place July 25-28, with the Induction Ceremony scheduled for Sunday, July 27. For more information, please visit baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/future-eligibles.
