The National Baseball Hall of Fame celebrated the induction of its four newest members on Sunday. The 2024 Hall of Fame class includes three outstanding players: Adrian Beltré, Joe Mauer, and Todd Helton, along with esteemed manager Jim Leyland. The quartet was officially enshrined in a memorable ceremony at the Cooperstown museum, where they delivered heartfelt speeches that left a lasting impact on baseball fans worldwide.

The annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place at the Clark Sports Center, located just a mile away from the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The speeches of all four inductees can be watched in their entirety on MLB.com's Hall of Fame page, allowing fans to relive the special moments from this extraordinary event.

Todd Helton, the former Colorado Rockies' first baseman, expressed his gratitude for his late father, Jerry, in his moving speech. Helton shared how his father's relentless coaching and unwavering belief in his abilities shaped his journey to baseball greatness. Helton's remarkable career spanned 17 seasons, all with the Rockies, during which he amassed 2,519 hits, 592 doubles, 369 home runs, 1,406 RBI, and 1,401 runs. He secured five All-Star appearances, four Silver Slugger Awards, and three Gold Glove Awards, leaving an indelible mark on the game.

Adrian Beltré, renowned for his excellence at third base, received a touching moment during the ceremony when his former teammate David Ortiz affectionately touched his head. Beltré, who notoriously disliked having his head touched, took the playful gesture in stride. In his speech, Beltré acknowledged the mentors and supporters who guided his path to Cooperstown, expressing deep gratitude to the passionate Texas Rangers fans. Over his illustrious 21-season career, Beltré amassed an impressive 3,166 hits, 636 doubles, 477 home runs, 1,707 RBI, and 1,524 runs. He was awarded four Silver Slugger Awards, five Gold Glove Awards, and two Platinum Glove Awards. Beltré's impact on the game will forever be remembered, particularly for his time with the Texas Rangers.

Jim Leyland, a highly respected manager, evoked a sense of camaraderie with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization during his emotional speech. Leyland managed four different teams over 22 seasons, beginning with the Pirates in 1986. He led the Marlins to a World Series title in 1997 and clinched three pennants throughout his career. Leyland's managerial prowess resulted in six division titles and a remarkable 1,769 career wins, placing him 18th on the all-time wins list. His strong bond with Pittsburgh fans made him feel like he was in it together with them, creating lasting memories and shared joys.

Joe Mauer, a revered catcher for the Minnesota Twins, reflected on the significance of growing up idolizing fellow Hall of Famers from Minnesota. Mentions of Paul Molitor, Jack Morris, and Dave Winfield resonated in Mauer's speech as he acknowledged their influence on his baseball journey. Mauer's stellar career spanned 15 seasons, all with the Twins, during which he achieved a batting average of .306 and an on-base percentage of .388. He accumulated 2,123 hits, 428 doubles, 143 home runs, 923 RBI, and 1,018 runs. Mauer's legacy is defined by his remarkable feat of winning three batting titles as a catcher, placing him among the elite few. Adding to his achievements, Mauer also earned an MVP award, solidifying his place in baseball history.

The induction of Adrian Beltré, Joe Mauer, Todd Helton, and Jim Leyland into the National Baseball Hall of Fame underscores their extraordinary contributions to the sport. Their remarkable careers have left an indelible mark on baseball history, inspiring future generations of players and captivating fans worldwide. The National Baseball Hall of Fame welcomes these four icons to its esteemed ranks, celebrating their achievements and honoring their lasting impact on America's pastime.