Hall of Fame Weekend wraps up with Legends of the Roundtable

OTSEGO, N.Y. (WBNG) - Adrian Beltré, Todd Helton, Jim Leyland, and Joe Mauer were featured in a Legends of the Game Roundtable program after being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame Sunday. The event occurred at the historic Doubleday Field as the latest Hall of Famers reminisced about their careers and induction into Cooperstown. Helton spoke about former Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, who was not only his Minor League and Major League hitting coach, but also his mentor and friend.

“He’s my confidant,” said Helton. “He’s the guy I can talk to about anything, and he’s just made me a better person, and he’s somebody I can trust which is very important.”

Beltré provided his advice to the younger ball players who have aspirations of making it to the big leagues.

“Number one is figure out what works for you and be dedicated with what you want to do,” said Beltré. “Everything is possible in life, and I think if you put you’re mind and heart into it, you can accomplish anything.”

Mauer also spoke about passing on knowledge to younger generations as well as the significance of this Hall of Fame class to himself.

“This class is special to me because these guys do it the right way,” said Mauer. “And I appreciate the way that they did that, and you try to emulate that and pass that on to younger generations. I think the game is in a great place, and it was fun to see this week the eras before you, and you try to pass on the things you’ve learned to the young guys coming. It’s a wonderful and I hope it keeps getting better and better.”

Leyland closed out the roundtable with a message to people who have ambitions of becoming a Major League manager, but may not have the professional playing background.

“I spent 18 years in the minor leagues before I got a day in the big leagues, and I managed 11 years in the minor leagues,” said Leyland. “I never got out of Double-A and I was a backup catcher there. So, I hope this is an inspiration for all those guys not to give up because I hope I’m living proof there is a chance.”

With the 2024 Hall of Fame Weekend wrapping up, Cooperstown is looking towards next year with names like C.C. Sabathia, Billy Wagner, and Ichiro on the ballot.