REFLECTIONS

The National Baseball Hall of Fame lived up to its strong reputation with four new entrants into this shrine of 75 years.

Newly inducted last Sunday at Cooperstown, N.Y., were baseball players Adrian Beltre, Todd Helton and Joe Mauer, and manager Jim Leyland. Mauer joints three other St. Paul athletes: Dave Winfield, Paul Molitor and Jack Morris.

To earn a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame, one must be a strong athlete and a proponent of community living.

Mauer was introduced via video by former teammate Justin Morneau. Morneau called Mauer “an incredible athlete.” Morneau said Mauer knew his role and that was to be a popular hometown hero.

“Today I am grateful to do the best I can,” Mauer said.

Mauer threw sincere examples of family humility to his mother, father, and grandfather. He also saluted former baseball coach Jim O’Neil, agents Ron Shapiro and Michael Foss. The Pohlad family was thanked as were former managers Ron Gardenhire and Paul Molitor.

Thanks were also expressed to his teammates, a brotherhood of athletes.

Mauer saved his immediate family for last: Madi, twins Marin and Emily, and his little sidekick, Chip.

During his 15-year career, Mauer said, he learned lessons of patience and dedication.

“This moment is a dream come true,” Mauer concluded.