CreditFred McGriff and Scott Rolen credit their persistent hard work for their respective Hall of Fame careers

In Scott Rolen’s 17-year career, the highlight wasn’t his journey to the World Series in 2006 with the St. Louis Cardinals or even his excellent first campaign with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1997, which saw him win unanimous National League Rookie of the Year honors.

Rolen, one of the two players elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, reserved that distinction for an unanticipated interaction with his parents following his call-up for his first major league game in 1996.

In his 16-minute winning speech, Rolen remarked, “Seeing Mom and Dad walk to their seats from my position at third base was a feeling never topped again in my 17 years.”

Only Rolen received more votes than the required 75% to be eligible for induction. In January, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America gave him 297 votes, or 76.3 percent. He received 63.2% of the vote the year before. I appreciate this generous offer, Rolen stated. Never in my life did it cross my mind that I would be here, on this platform.

Before the Phillies selected Rolen, an all-around high school athlete from Indiana, in the second round of the amateur draft, he had gotten a Division I basketball offer. Six of the third baseman’s 17 seasons were spent with the Cardinals, where he won three of his eight Gold Gloves and four of his seven All-Star appearances.

In 2,038 games, Rolen batted.281 with 316 home runs and 1,287 RBIs. He batted best on the squad.St. Louis defeated Detroit in the 2006 World Series in five games, 421 to 421.

Rolen gave his parents credit for the morals they taught him.

He claimed, “I wasn’t raised to be a Major League Baseball player.” I was taught in my upbringing to be truthful, put in a lot of effort, take responsibility for my words and deeds, and treat others with respect.

McGriff, who joined Rolen on stage, made care to shake hands with almost everyone of the 50 Hall of Famers who welcomed him.

During his 20-minute address, McGriff remarked, “I’m humbled and honored to be standing in front of you and now to be part of this fraternity.” “That’s as good as it gets,” someone once said, “when your career is validated by former players and executives who saw you play.”

Chris Berman of ESPN gave McGriff the loving moniker “Crime Dog” and over the course of 19 seasons, he played in 2,460 games while batting.284 with 493 home runs and 1,550 RBIs. He was a five-time All-Star, played for six different clubs, and contributed to the Atlanta Braves’ 1995 World Series victory.

The players on the writers’ ballot who fell short of induction this year included Todd Helton (72.2%), Billy Wagner (68.1%), Andruw Jones (58.1%), Gary Sheffield (55%), Carlos Beltrán (46.5%), Jeff Kent (46.5%), Alex Rodriguez (35.7%), Manny Ramirez (33.2%), Omar Vizquel (19.5%), Andy Pettitte (17%), Bobby Abreu (15.4%), Jimmy Rollins (12.9%), Mark Buehrle (10.8%), Francisco Rodriguez (10.8%) and Torii Hunter (6.9%).

Throughout Hall of Fame weekend, three more people received awards. The Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award went to former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Carl Erskine, the Career Excellence Award went to longtime Detroit Tigers bҽat writer John Lowe, and the Ford C. Frick Award went to Cubs radio broadcaster Pat Hughes.