The National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony unfolded on the verdant lawn outside the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, New York, drawing thousands of fans who gathered to witness a historic moment in the sport’s history.
A night of gratitude and legacy
Carlos Beltrán, a nine‑time All‑Star known for his 2,725 hits, 435 home runs and 312 stolen bases, was elected by the Baseball Writers Association of America. In his speech he thanked the Mets fans for their unwavering support and reflected on the journey that culminated with a World Series championship in his final season with the 2017 Astros.
Andruw Jones, celebrated as one of the finest defensive center fielders of his generation, addressed the crowd after being selected by the BBWAA. He spoke of his admiration for Ken Griffey Jr., recalled hitting two home runs in a World Series game at the age of 19, and expressed humility at joining the Hall of Fame alongside his idol.
Jeff Kent, the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee’s choice, rounded out the trio. A former National League MVP, Kent highlighted his 377 home runs and 1,158 RBI, recounted earning a college scholarship and receiving a pickup truck from his father, and emphasized that the ceremony was about celebrating baseball’s enduring spirit.
The event concluded with each inductee sharing personal anecdotes, expressing gratitude to teammates, families and fans, and underscoring the shared responsibility of preserving the game’s legacy for future generations.