Hall of Fame Inductee Jim Leyland shows emotion as he makes his Baseball Hall of Fame acceptance speech during the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown, NY. Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Leyland had great closing message during Hall of Fame induction

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Jul 22, 2024 12:42 AM ET

Legendary MLB manager Jim Leyland captivated baseball fans with an awesome parting message during his Baseball Hall of Fame induction speech.

On Sunday, Leyland was one of four men who were immortalized in Cooperstown, New York. The 79-year-old joined players Adrian Beltre, Todd Helton and Joe Mauer.

Leyland closed his speech by addressing baseball fans everywhere.

“No matter which Hall of Famer you’re here to support today, or which team you cheer for, your presence is always felt,” said Leyland.

“On your feet in the ninth with the home team clinging to a one-run lead. Turning on your television for the first game of the World Series and seeing 50,000 fans waving towels, hoping and praying that this may be their year. A little boy or girl getting their first autograph and scurrying back to the stands to show Mom and Dad their latest treasure.

“Ladies and gentlemen, that’s you. That’s baseball. And this is the Hall of Fame.”

To: The Fans
From: Hall of Famer Jim Leyland pic.twitter.com/hXNcW2b5cs

— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) July 21, 2024

Leyland spent 22 seasons as a big-league manager. Half of those years were spent with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team that gave him his first MLB managerial job in 1986. Leyland left the Pirates to manage the Florida Marlins in 1997, leading the team to a World Series win in his first year at the helm.

After two seasons with the Marlins and one year with the Colorado Rockies, Leyland returned to manage the Detroit Tigers in 2006. Leyland led the Tigers to three division titles and two AL pennants in his eight seasons with the team.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: