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See the full story · 5 sourcesThe Baseball Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 officially joined the shrine on Sunday, July 26, with Carlos Beltran , Andruw Jones and Jeff Kent being inducted in Cooperstown, New York.
More: Terry Francona had high praise for Baseball Hall of Fame's media honorees
Beltran, of Puerto Rico, and Jones, from Curacao, gave the ceremony a Caribbean flair, giving parts of their acceptance speeches in their native languages.
Beltran was a classic five-tool star over his 20-year career, hitting 435 home runs and stealing 312 bases before finally winning a World Series in his final season.
Jones was one of the greatest defensive center fielders in history, winning 10 consecutive Gold Glove awards. Kent was one of the most prolific second base sluggers of all time and was the 2000 National League MVP.
Beltran was in his fourth year on the ballot, Jones his ninth and Kent was voted in through the veterans committee.
Carlos Beltran credits teammates for helping him succeed
Beltran likened the nervousness he was feeling before his Hall of Fame speech to his first at-bat in the majors.
"There's no doubt baseball became my classroom," Beltran said as he described his learning process, starting from his early days growing up in Puerto Rico to his MLB debut at age 21.
"In Kansas City, I had an incredible privilege to be around one of the greatest competitors this game has ever seen: Mr. George Brett," Beltran said. "You taught me something that I will never forget − that greatness is built long before anyone is watching."
Beltran reflected on the trade in 2004 that took him from a lowly Royals team to a playoff contender in Houston. He praised veterans and future Hall of Famers Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell for the example they set with their work ethic.
"I saw you guys grind, day in and day out. That was very special to me. And that was something that I carried for the rest of my life," Beltran said. "There was no way I could have lasted 20 years in the big leagues without learning how to play with pain. Thank you."
Despite his many successes at several stops along his career, Beltran enters the Hall with a New York Mets cap on his plaque.
"Every organization shapes your career. New York shaped my life," he explained. "The Mets cap, what it represents to me is growth. And it represents a place where I became the best version of myself."
Andruw Jones takes pride in Braves connection
A great fielder and powerful slugger, Jones went from 7.3% support in his first year on the ballot to more than 78% in his ninth year of eligibility.
"I never got to see Willie Mays play, so Ken Griffey was my guy. I wanted to be like him," Jones said. "For me and Carlos to join Griffey, Willie and the other great center fielders in the Hall of Fame is hard to put into words."
Jones referenced his humble beginnings in Curacao to become the nation's first Baseball Hall of Famer, while shouting out the 16 other residents of the island (including Ozzie Albies, Kenley Jansen and Ceddanne Rafaela) who've also reached the majors.
He praised his manager for all 12 of his seasons with the Braves, the late Bobby Cox.
"He put a 19-year-old in the World Series lineup and believed in me," Jones said. "Bobby had confidence in me and helped me become the best player I could be. He commanded respect, created a winning culture. ... He was like a second father to me. I know he's looking down, laughing and (would) be so happy for me and my family. Thank you, Bobby."
Jones also said it was an honor to join other Braves in the Hall, including "my brother from a different mother" Chipper Jones. "Chipper pushed for my induction for many years," he said. "The Jones boys are in Cooperstown now!"
Jeff Kent 'overwhelmed' by Hall of Fame honor
Although Kent never reached the required 75% by the Baseball Writers' Association, he was elected in his first appearance on the veterans committee (Contemporary Era) ballot.
"When my wife and I had a chance to visit the Hall of Fame museum just a few months ago, I finally realized the weight that this game carries," Kent said in his acceptance speech. "The halls are filled with stories that you can't experience anywhere else. And to know that I get to be a part of that history standing alongside the legends I grew up watching ...
"The word 'overwhelming' doesn't even begin to describe it."
Kent also paid special tribute to the late Hall of Famer and fellow second baseman Ryne Sandberg.
"He played with respect. He played with toughness and he played with a quiet fire. And I hope he knows that a lot of us who came after him played that way as well."
And Kent did not forget former teammate Barry Bonds, with whom he occasionally clashed during their time together in San Francisco. He called Bonds "one of the most talented players this game has ever seen."
How to watch Baseball Hall of Fame induction
Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
TV: MLB Network
Watch MLB Network on Fubo
Hall ceremony remembers stars who died in past year
Before turning the stage over to the three 2026 inductees, Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark asked for a moment of silence to honor three Hall members who passed away since last year's ceremony.
Longtime Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg
Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Bill Mazeroski
Legendary manager Bobby Cox
How many Hall of Famers are attending this year's ceremony?
A total of 60 Hall of Fame members (including the three new inductees) will be on the stage this afternoon at the Clark Sports Center.
It's the largest-ever gathering of Hall of Famers in Cooperstown.
For the 10th consecutive year, MLB Network anchor Brian Kenny is serving as the master of ceremonies.
Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones and Jeff Kent ar...
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