July 24, 2016

An Interview with: shine and that's why you had the highest vote percentage in history. KEN GRIFFEY, JR. I'll never forget the first time I witnessed your skills. Unfortunately, it came at my expense, when you robbed me on a ball in the gap in instructional league early in our careers. I knew at JANE FORBES CLARK: As that time professional was chairman of the National Baseball Hall of going to be very difficult. I'm so happy Fame it is my honor, Mike, to welcome for you. God bless you and your family. you into the Hall of Fame family. Thank you to all the legends and MIKE PIAZZA: Thank you, Hall of Famers on this stage behind me. commissioner. Thank you very much. You all have given us great joy and You're going to make this harder than it inspiration. The only way I ever thought is, I'm telling you right now. I would be here with you is if I bought a First and foremost, I sincerely ticket. It's a tremendous -- it is a wish to thank the Baseball Writers of testament to our great country, and America for voting me into the Hall. I game, that dreams can come true, you appreciate how high your standards are, just need to be willing to pay the price. and I consider your blessing a Two that are very special to me tremendous source of pride and joy. are and . Thank you to Jane, Jeff, Walker, Schmidtty, I watched you as a child, I and everyone at the National Baseball celebrated with you, and suffered with Hall of Fame. You treat us like family, you. You were a true man of class and help us in every way, and every fan faith. The outpouring of emotion when should rest peacefully knowing you are you announced your retirement showed the caretakers of the game. Thank you. how much pressure you put on yourself Kenny, it is an incredible honor to to perform, and I always considered you be going in alongside of you. About the an inspiration. God bless you. only thing we have in common as ball And Johnny Bench. Johnny, you players are two arms and two legs. Your will always be the best of all time. You talent, athleticism, and tremendous joy revolutionized catching and the game is you brought to your teammates and fans better because of it. Your leadership was infectious. and performance in the biggest games The work ethic you showed as a will never be matched. Although, maybe first overall pick is inspiring. When no I the ball just a little better to right one would have blamed you to rest on field. your pedigree, you worked tirelessly to I think one of the most amazing

1 visit our archives at asapsports.com things about the Hall of Fame is that no You made me your when the one goes in here alone. We all have had Dodgers were in Philadelphia. You many people helping us, inspiring us, always sent me baseball equipment coaching us and yes, sometimes kicking when I needed it. You convinced the us in the rear. And now it is my Dodgers to me. You gave me Big tremendous honor and privilege to thank League at-bats in Spring Training when I those who have done this for me. My was a green wide-eyed kid out of junior love affair with baseball started in a college. You went to bat for me when I small steel town, about a four-hour drive walked away from the game. You south of here named Phoenixville, Pa. It convinced the Dodgers to let a very was a tough town, blue collar, coming off popular in Mike Scoscia go so the prosperity of the 50s and 60s. The that a veteran pitching staff would know steel mills had closed and what was left that I was their catcher, my rookie year, were the sons and daughters of no matter how many mistakes I made or immigrants. They loved God, their how inexperienced I was. families, and sports. And speaking of experience, I I came up through an intensely was blessed to have a demanding competitive little league, youth league, pitching staff, with such names as Orel and high school program. This town Hershiser, Kevin Gross, Ramon loved its sports. It was evident in the Martinez, and Tom Candiotti. Tommy, fact that we were not big as some of the one day consoled me, when I was neighboring towns, some twice our size, having -- when I was really struggling to but in baseball, we punched above our catch his knuckleball and throw out weight. runners by saying, “Mike, I don't give a My high school was John crap if you ever throw anybody out, just "Doc" Kennedy, and he loved the game, go out and hit me a three- .” was a great teacher and still scouts Tommy was always there for me, today. From early in my high school like a guardian angel. After high school, career he never gave me anything. He he sent me to the University of knew my dad and knew who his friend and after a less than a stellar freshman was, yet he still made me work to earn a season in which I went 2-9 with no RBIs, place on the varsity team. Tommy sent me to Miami Dade Speaking of my dad's friends, Community College, North Campus, , from my dad's where I played for Dr. Demi Mainieri, the hometown of Norristown, Pa., the town all-time winningest coach of Junior in which I was born. But his personality College baseball. Doc played me at first and toughness were larger than life. He that season. I hit a respectable .360 and eventually went on to a professional started showing some power. Doc's son, career and to this day, is not only Paul Mainieri, was the head coach of St. famous for being a Hall of Fame big Thomas University at the time, and he league , but by being sent down was amazingly supportive and told me so that the Brooklyn Dodgers could no matter how frustrating baseball could make room for . be, you need to keep going and keep Tommy Lasorda was always in playing. my corner. He believed, when he Speaking of playing, Tommy, my watched me hit at a young age of 14, father, and then-coach Joe Ferguson that I could play . started kicking the idea around of me Tommy, you were always there for me.

2 visit our archives at asapsports.com possible playing catcher. He convinced in the cage, refining my swing and scouting director, , to waste a making it shorter. He knew my swing at late-round, and I mean, late-round, draft the time was too long, and that he had to pick on me. And so began my adventure shorten it to make it quicker. He did this in . with a series of drills and disciplines he I was fortunate enough to have learned as a player in Japan. I Johnny Roseboro and Kevin Kennedy as responded, worked, and started to get it. my first catching instructors. I could still One drill actually on a tee, I could remember the pain of blocking balls by eventually square up a line drive with my the machine and lying in bed at night, eyes closed. Reggie cared about me so but it wasn't all bad, I actually got the much, the one year I was frustrated and chance to hit practice off the quit my minor league team, he actually great Sandy Koufax. A little benefit of came to my house and told me I was being with the Dodgers. coming back and to do exactly what the Tommy then sent me down to the Dodgers said. Dominican camp of the Dodgers Campo Reggie, thank you for this and Las Palmas in the thank you for helping me. You are a to pick up valuable experience and great hitting coach, but the biggest communicate with Spanish speaking lesson that you taught me was how to . One happens to be here get through the game of life and to never behind me, Pedro Martinez. quit. (Speaking in Spanish) Another coach I wish to thank is I returned to the states with more Dave Wallace. He also convinced me to confidence and the belief that I can come back the time I quit. He was my actually do this thing. Catching that is. pitching coach with the Mets a couple of One spring training early in my minor years, and I very much enjoyed working league career, I noticed a rather with him. The Dodgers had an amazing imposing hitting coach around the cages. major and minor league camp in He strutted around like a peacock, he Dodgertown, Vero Beach, Florida. had that drill sergeant voice, and if you Joe Ferguson worked with me to said something he disagreed with, he refine my catching skills, and being a would snarl at you and your spine would converted catcher of similar size, helped shrink. He was Reggie Smith. me catch according to my body type. There are a handful of people in Maybe a few of you remember a scout your life who change the direction of named Mel, "you bet your bottom dollar" your destiny. Reggie was this for me. Didier. He was always in my corner. I He originally came up with the want to thank him; he got me through the with as his toughest times in the minors when it hitting coach. And I was so fortunate to could have ended all before it got have Ted Williams give me a private started. hitting lesson at 15 years old, as you Joe Amalfitano was another saw in the video. There's no greater coach who helped me tremendously. He experience for 15-year-old aspiring hitter was close to about a hundred percent on to get a lesson from the greatest hitter of calling pitch outs. An amazing baseball all time. man. Reggie knew right away that I had Our bullpen coach was Mark something you couldn't teach: power. Cresse, and he actually made Spring And he wasted no time working with me

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Training fun. Go figure. God bless you and your wonderful We had Olympics, where family. he worked on our skills and gave us It truly was an honor and a prizes at the finish. No one worked privilege to be drafted, signed, and harder than Mark. I can't tell you the developed by the Dodgers. amount of batting practice he threw Mr. Pete O'Malley was a wonderful myself and the team, and it was always owner. He was a tremendous family straight as a string. man, who prided himself on having the was a minor league best possible atmosphere to play pitching coach and at first was baseball in an otherwise quiet town of unconvinced that I could be a prospect. Vero Beach. I can remember many Later he told my dad that he thought that times when he had BBQ's and parties. It I was actually the only prospect on my truly was an incredible experience, and team and apologized to him. I've always cherished and valued my Burt was also my pitching coach time there. I will always be eternally for my one year in Mexicali in the grateful for the opportunity. Mexican winter league, and he was a The Dodgers and I parted ways, great coach. and then I played a short week with the As I started to rise through the Marlins before getting traded again. Dodgers minor league system I Even though I was there for about a eventually became friends with Eric week, I had the privilege to play for an Karros. A slick, slugging amazing baseball man in manager Jim out of UCLA by way of San Diego, Eric Leyland. I consider Jim one of the won Rookie of the Year in 1992. And game's true treasures. pretty much like myself, was a blue A week later at my home in collar, hard-working, pretty much Florida, my life-long friend and agent, self-made player. And he would actually Danny Lozano, which I wish to thank for steal a base on you if you didn't watch listening -- for making me listen to him, him. Eric was kind enough to invite me told me that I was traded to the New to live with him and a couple other York Mets. It was actually the last team roommates my rookie year, and we had that I had imagined wanted me, but it a pretty good time. was the most amazing experience any Eric showed me how to be a Big human being could have. Leaguer. He was a leader in the I can't thank our general manager clubhouse. And pretty much played at the time, , enough. every day. Eric, you reached out to me, Steve, you took a chance on me, and I'll and we had the time of our lives. It was be forever grateful. I would also like to too short, but your kindness and thank owners, Fred and Jeff Wilpon. No leadership have always been prominent price could be put on the experience of in my memory. You are an underrated playing in New York. Actually, Queens. player, and I truly believe that you hitting We were managed, at the time, behind me gave me great protection in by a colorful, unpredictable manager the lineup and significantly impacted my named . Bobby, I know career. we didn't always agree, but you were an I always loved seeing you and am amazing motivator, extremely intelligent so happy for your success in your baseball man, and I can honestly say broadcasting career. I love you bro and that you gave the best pre-game

4 visit our archives at asapsports.com motivational speech I ever heard. Sorry, had an amazing two-strike hit that tied Tommy. the game and allowed me to relax and When I was traded, there was a feel more confident at the plate knowing gutsy, not so big in stature, but big we were tied. A few guys up here know hearted left-handed named what that means. Johnny Franco. He was kind enough to How can I put my -- into words my take me into his home and give me his thanks, love, and appreciation for New number 31. I know it had special York Mets fans? You have given me the significance to him, but he unselfishly greatest gift and have graciously taken gave it me, and I will always be grateful. me into your family. Looking out, today, The first game I caught for the at the incredible sea of blue and orange, Mets that year was pitched by an brings back the greatest time of my life. intimidating, yet cerebral, left-handed You guys are serious. We didn't get off pitcher with a devastating slider named on the best foot, but we both stayed with . I never caught someone so it. intense and with a sense of perfection. At first, I was pressing to make One time, he actually got mad at you cheer and wasn't doing the job. You me because my idol, Mike Schmidt, was didn't take it easy on me, and I am better on a trip with the Phillies at Shea, and he because of it. went down to the tunnel to coach in the Sometimes a jockey whips a cage because it was raining. And I horse. It isn't always pleasant to watch, wanted so badly to talk to Schmidtty, that but it gets results. The eight years we I was actually inadvertently coaching a spent together went by way too fast. few of their hitters. And he let me know The thing I miss most is making you about it. cheer. We had a wonderful friendship No fans rock the house like Mets and some amazing times on the road. fans. You are passionate, loyal, And I was always -- can say that it was intelligent, and love this great game. To my biggest honor to catch one of his be the only second Met to enter the Hall best pitched games, a one-game playoff of Fame, following , brings in 1999 against the , in me great pride and joy. And I truly which he didn't shake me off one time. enjoyed 's company. He was Really wasn't that hard, I just called for a a wonderful man, a great player, and I slider. miss him. Al, you're an amazing teammate, Unfortunately, it wasn't always the loving husband, and amazing father to ups and downs of baseball season we your children. And I have the highest experienced. September 11, 2001, is a respect for you. day that forever changed our lives. To I was also very fortunate to play witness the darkest evil of the human with some incredible teammates in New heart and witness that as it tore many York. comes to mind. loved ones from their families will forever Mi Panna, Edgardo Alfonzo was a great be burned in my soul. fielder and clutch hitter. Many times I But from tragedy and sorrow can remember him picking me up when I came bravery, love, compassion, failed to come through. As a matter of character, and eventual healing. Many fact, one memorable three-run home run of you give me praise for the two-run that I hit on July 4th in the 8th home run on the first game back on against the Braves, Edgardo actually

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September 21st to push us ahead of the was angry, and celebrated more than I rival Braves. could ever celebrate. He is a man But the true praise belongs to deeply devoted to his family and after police, firefighters, first responders, who having suffered a major stroke a few knew that they were going to die, but years ago, is stronger willed than ever. went forward anyway. We made it, Dad. The race is over. Jesus said there is no greater Now, it's time to smell the roses. love than to lay down one's life for his My mother gave me the greatest friends. I consider it an honor and gift a mother can give a child. She gave privilege to have witnessed that love. me the gift of my Catholic faith. This has Your families and those left behind are had a profound impact on my career and always in my prayers. I pray we never it has given me patience, compassion, forget their sacrifice and work to always and hope. Pope Benedict the 16th said, defeat such evil. no one who has -- who says, one who I was blessed to play one season has hope lives differently. Mom, you in San Diego for a great manager in raised five boys, mostly on your own, Bruce Bochy, a cool general manager in and you're always there for me. Kevin Towers. I always look back on my One special moment in my one year with fondness and affection, memory of my mother, is an ice cold wonderful fans and a great place to play. high school game at Owen J. Roberts I also got to spend some time with Tony High School in which I hit two home Gwynn, who sadly is no longer with us. runs. There were maybe about five or I think he alone cost me about six people watching the game, but as I three batting titles. But he brought out crossed home plate, I noticed my mom the best in me. And I was very pleased jumping up and down clapping. Mom, the batting title will be you were the glue to our family and a named after him and the American true woman of God. Thank you. League title after the amazing Rod I have the coolest brothers a guy Carew. could have. My brothers Vincent, I couldn't imagine leaving the Danny, Tony, and Tommy, I can't think of stage without thanking my family. My a time where you guys were not in my father, Vince, was the son of Italian corner. You had to put up with me as a immigrants. He's so proud of his Italian kid always getting more swings than you. heritage. Un Grazie infintio al Paese And dad making you shag all my fly Itaslia che ha fatto il regalo di mi Padre. balls. But you never complained. My dad always dreamed of When I was feeling depressed playing in the major leagues for his about not getting drafted in high school All-American love of baseball. He could you pooled your money together and not follow that dream as the realities of bought me a new stereo. You knew how life and having to support his family much I loved music. And the bravery forced him to work. He built a great you showed, while cheering for me in business and employed many people. front of hostile fans, My father's faith in me, often greater than is legendary. my own, is the single most important We had a lot of fun growing up factor of me being inducted into this Hall together. I cherish every minute we of it. of Fame. Thank you, Dad. My wife, Alicia, is a special I know he watched every game, woman. I'm privileged to be her cried when I cried, was angry when I

6 visit our archives at asapsports.com husband. I can honestly say I married Shortly after leaving office more my best friend. She often jokes we than a hundred years ago, President married when my career was, shall we Teddy Roosevelt said: say, in its twilight. But that made it very "It is not the critic who counts; not difficult for her. I'm sure many here the man who points out how the strong behind me struggled a little when our man stumbles, or where the doer of careers ended. Life isn't always easy for deeds could have done them better. a retired ball player. The credit belongs to the man who is She has had incredible patience actually in the arena, whose face is with me and is a loving and giving marred by dust and sweat and blood; mother. She often puts people's needs who strives valiantly; who errs, who ahead of her own. You have brought joy comes up short again and again, and fun to my life. I love you very much. because there is no effort without You've also given me the greatest and shortcoming; but who does actually gift anyone could have, the gift of my strive to do the deeds; who knows great children. Nicoletta, Paulina, and Marco, enthusiasms, great devotions; who your father's love for you is endless. I spends himself in a worthy cause; who pray you always have peace and love in at best knows in the end the triumph of your lives always. Go out, dream big, high achievement, and who at the worst, work tirelessly, and love the Lord. It if he fails, at least fails while daring worked for your dad. greatly, so that his place shall never be He persevered in breaking the with those cold and timid souls who color barrier in Major League Baseball, neither know victory nor defeat." was a leader to us all, I have been devoted to this great as players and a nation. A man of game of baseball and it is a worthy character, courage, bravery, and cause. We players share our love of discipline. He demonstrated that we're baseball with millions of fans. That love all equal on the field and in the locker bridges generation, impacts lives, and room. And his lessons are still as helps heal wounds. I want to thank you important today as they were in the all for sharing this with me. God bless 1940s and 50s. Be humble and true to you and thank you very much. yourself, be smart in how you behave, JANE FORBES CLARK: As make good personal decisions, stand up Chairman of the National Baseball Hall for what is right. of Fame, it is my honor, Ken, to welcome Above all, my religion is a source you into the Hall of Fame family and to of personal strength, not a reason to invite the commissioner up to read the impose your will or put down those who inscription on your plaque. are different. My belief in God has KEN GRIFFEY, JR.: I would like driven me since my childhood and to thank the Hall of Fame and their staff formed my core values of hard work, for an unbelievable weekend here in faith and belief in yourself. It means Cooperstown. I would also like it thank feeling a need to give back to your Commissioner Manfred and his teammates, to your community, to your leadership in baseball. children. Nobody on this stage with me I would also like to thank Jane who has shared this incredible honor got Clark and her staff. here without teammates, community I also like to thank the writers for support, and mentors. We all have a writing, for -- for this prestigious honor. responsibility to future generations.

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I would also like to thank the He was more concerned about us being families and friends and the thousands – good players, I mean good people, than (receives a tissue) I got a couple of players and winning a championship. these somewhere. I probably got them. He brought together kids of all Thousands of baseball fans who colors, backgrounds, and financial traveled all over the country and who are status. also watching this on MLB Network. I Papa Joe is no longer here, he's would like to point out one fan, Rob, who up there in baseball heaven, coaching traveled 6,000 miles to get here. I just third, and smoking a cigar. wanted to say thank you. And he also wears shorts. I stand up here humbled and To my dad, who taught me how to overwhelmed. The last couple months play this game, but more importantly he have been a blur. taught me how to be a man. How to From the call from the Hall of work hard, how to look at yourself in the Fame to the calls from all the Hall of mirror each and every day, and not to Famers that are sitting here behind me. worry about what other people are doing. I can't describe how that feels, but I can See, baseball didn't come easy tell you that I was more nervous talking for him. He was the 29th round pick and to them than I am now. had to choose between football and There are a lot of people out here baseball. And where he's from in who made me the person I am today. Donora, Pennsylvania, football is king. Now I can't name them all and I But I was born five months after his apologize for that, but I will talk about my senior year and he made a decision to high school baseball coach Mike play baseball to provide for his family, Cameron and Schmidtty. because that's what men do. And I love When I decided to play baseball, you for that. high school baseball instead of going to To my mom, the strongest woman Spring Training, I went in the batting I know. Raising two boys, having to be cage and I swung and missed seven or mom and dad. Splitting time to go to eight times. And I still remember the one another's games, me and my look on Cameron's face saying, "And brother. She was our biggest fan and he's supposed to be good?" our biggest critic. I told them, I said, just wait until She sat up and did homework we get outside. A couple weeks later we with us, stayed up all night when we were able to go outside and I hit the first were sick, and I tell people that I'm more couple balls in the trees and I can scared of my mom than my dad. Just remember Schmidtty going, "Wow, I because she didn't play. And if you don't think we have got something here." -- if you don't believe me, there are a I want to thank them for being true couple of my friends here who can attest coaches, for being honest and fair. to that. Thank you. She's the only woman I know that But it's really ironic that I get lives in one house, but runs five others. I drafted by a team that plays all their don't know how you do it, to be able to games indoors. put your hopes and dreams just to raise We have Papa Joe Haden, coach two boys and never complain about it. I of the Midland Redskins. Papa Joe love you, mom. treated everybody fair. He taught us To my brother Craig, my biggest more about life lessons than baseball.

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competitor, day and night we had these Taryn. Daddy's little girl. From epic battles, whether it was football, the first time you were born I knew that I basketball or baseball. But no matter had to go into protect mode. I didn't what, you never gave up, never gave in. even like my teammates who had boys. I just have one problem with you: How You taught me how to share and I think come when you won all my friends knew I've eaten more french fries over the about it? And we didn't even have cell years than you. So no matter if I went phones back then. 4-4 or 0-4 to hear those words when I You're one of the people who came home, "Daddy", made my best pushed me the most and I will always days better and my bad days not so bad. love you for that. Thank you. Even to this day, when you call me on Brian Goldberg. You have been the phone, my day is a little brighter. there since day one. We have had a Tevin, seeing you for the first time great journey, even though there was made my life complete. All my friends some ups and downs. But I can't think of called you a mini Denzel. Because you a better friend/agent that I would want by didn't cry or make a sound. You have a my side other than you. Thank you. great sense of humor, you're caring and We have also have Lynn Merritt. I thoughtful. Watching you grow up has can remember the first thing you said to been nothing but a pleasure and never a me is that I can't do nothing for you now, dull moment around you. I know your but in a few years, if you keep doing brother and sisters are at school, but you what you're doing, I'll keep in touch. don't have to keep us that busy like That was February of 1991, and look at they're still at home. So let's make a us now. You've been a big brother, deal, only two sports at a time, not three uncle, and on some rare occasions, the and four. People always say that you're voice of reason. A lot of people don't the lucky one, but, no -- me and your know Lynn. mom are the lucky ones. Trey, Taryn and Tevin, words Melissa, my wife, my best friend, can't describe how much I love you and you wear so many hats at our home. I would do anything for you. can't tell you how much I appreciate you Trey, you're my little man, my and all the things that you've done and partner in crime. And one day, sitting continue to do for this family. You are there on the couch, you took a bat and the glue that holds this family together hit the TV. And your mom got mad at and the light when it's dark. People say you and then got mad at me and asked that you're lucky, well that's not true, I'm me why I was not mad and I said, "Girl, the lucky one. you can't teach that swing." From the first time I saw you I (Laughter.) knew you were going to be my wife. So I got up and bought a new TV. Now, it took you a little longer to realize There's a song by Will Smith that I was going to be your husband, but that's called “Just The Two Of Us.” I'm okay with that now. I love you. There's a part in the song where it talks I would now like it thank the about driving home after you were born, Seattle Mariner organization for taking a in the car, and all these cars were chance on a 17 year old kid and allowing passing us up, and he talks about how him to continue to play this great game mad he was. I felt like that on the way of baseball. home. See, in the winter of '86, I

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remember being in my garage and And I turned around and I looked Bobby Tolan saying to me, "Hey, the back at my dad and I go, "I would hate to have the first pick and see him mad." they're looking at you." I walk in my . Now every lefty house and look at my dad and say, "Hey wanted to take a day off when he dad, where's Seattle?" pitched. Even we did. But you guys See, at that time they were a think it was bad, we had to face him young franchise and I really only cared when he had no control in Spring about where my dad was at. So if he Training. was with the Yankees, I was a Yankee Today -- I got more friends -- Alvin fan. If he went to Atlanta, I was an Davis, , Dave Valle, Atlanta fan. The only person I knew on Jeffrey Lenard, Mickey Brantley, Darnell that team was Bobby Brown, not the Coles, Chili Davis, . These singer and not the guys were like my big brothers. They President. And the only reason I knew took me out to lunch and dinner, made him was because he played with my dad me share rides with them in the cab and on the Yankees. drilled me on life problems. The only In 1989 I made the team out of problem is, you tell me what 19-year-old Spring Training, not sure of what kind of in the big leagues has life problems? player I would be. But at 19 all I wanted Then we have . As we to do was survive. Even though I had referred to each other as brothers from a been around baseball all my life doesn't different mother. He was the greatest mean that I have arrived. teammate I ever had. A guy that gave Some of the men who helped me you everything on the field and a guy are here today. . that spoke the truth, even though you Rickey, I'm still looking for that rematch. didn't want to hear it. And I love you for See, he beat me in a game of horse that. when I was 14 years old, made a jump Looking back, I got to do and say shot, drove off in his car, and never gave things that have never been said. I got a me that rematch. chance to play with my dad. I got to yell Well, Rickey, I know where you're at him and tell him to get a hit. And in going to be July 2017, and I'm bringing baseball there's certain things of, you my shorts. can call somebody -- a fossil, gray , the wizard. beard, grandpa, dad, pops -- but I got a . As my dad chance to say it, and mean it. referred to him as Big Blood. We hit back to back home runs. . I met Eddie when I We're the first father and son to win was 12, it was in a back field in Fort MVPs in All-Star Games. Lauderdale. And my dad introduced me, Hitting the warehouse in he goes, this is one of the hardest switch Baltimore. hitting guys in baseball. And I stuck my Winning a in hand out and he shook it. And he didn't Pittsburgh in my home state. smile. The '95 series. See, Eddie had a beard, a Randy Johnson's no hitter. goatee, and a fro. And as we're walking Jay Buhner hitting for the cycle. off I asked my dad, "Does he smile?" And Edgar Martinez winning his My dad replied back, "He did smile. He first batting title. And, yes, he belongs in is smiling."

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the Hall of Fame. it look easy doesn't mean that it was and And there's . I was in you don't work hard and become a Hall the clubhouse when he hit his first grand of Famer without working day in and day slam. Getting hot chocolate. out. But I've known his family since I I want to thank my family and was 12, his younger brother Byron took friends, the fans, the Reds, the White care of me as a freshman. And then I Sox and Mariners for making this kid's had to take care of his younger brother, dream come true. Thank you. Steven. I want to thank them for JANE FORBES CLARK: Ladies opening up their homes and making me and gentlemen, the national baseball who I am today. Hall of Fame class of 2016. Thank you. I got to play this game for 22 FastScripts by ASAP Sports.... years. And I wouldn't trade it in for anything. I spent eight years with the Reds. I got to put on the same uniform as my dad and run around in the same outfield. I got a front row seat to the greatest team ever assembled, the 1975 and 1976 Reds. As a member of the Reds, I was often teased by my teammates saying that my dad played for the Big Red Machine and you're the engineer to the little red caboose. Chicago White Sox. I had a chance to play meaningful games day in and day out. What else can you ask for as a player. Thank you. 13 years with the Seattle Mariners. From the day I got drafted until my first at-bat in the Kingdome, to the '95 playoffs, to my first trip back to Seattle as a member of the Reds and my return to Seattle in 2009, to my retirement in 2010, Seattle, Washington has been a big part of my life. There are so many great things that I could talk about, but we would be here all day. So I am going to leave you with one thing: Out of my 22 years, I've learned that only one team will treat you the best, and that's your first team. I'm damn proud to be a Seattle Mariner. The two misconceptions of me are that I didn't work hard, and that I made it look easy. Just because I made

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