FULL SPEECH: The emotional Hall of Fame induction speech from legendary manager Jim Leyland!

[@cathyd1030]

Fantastic speech! "I would like to say this to the fans: No matter which Hall of Famer you're here to support today, or which team you cheer for, your presence is always felt.... Ladies and gentlement, that's you, that's baseball and this is the Hall of Fame". LOVE THAT!

[@amonrodriguez3518]

So true. Jim Leland is baseball. Everything it is and represents

[@bcoco3218]

Seeing Jim Leyland get emotional talk about the young fans got me. That’s what it’s about. Love it 🙌

[@bobke114]

I know someone that has been around Leyland a little bit the last 3 years and he says that is exactly the way Leyland is.

[@matty2578]

A great speech. I loved the part with Gene LaMont - you can tell how much those two went through.

[@DetroitSportsFanSince2002]

Love Jim Leyland as a Tigers manager I just wish they won a World Series with him as the skipper 😢

[@amonrodriguez3518]

They got close multiple times and ran our division for a time. From Miggy, Prince, Torii, Vic, Pudge to Max, Verlander, and some good closers. Those teams were awesome and Leland was the man. Wish they would have beat the cardinals. Dumb birds

[@Nextgen04]

Dumb giants as well

[@DetroitSportsFanSince2002]

@@amonrodriguez3518 Yeah I wish that happened too but that was back when the Tigers had no experience in the World Series besides Pudge Rodriguez

[@DetroitSportsFanSince2002]

@@Nextgen04 Watching Miguel Cabrera striking out against Sergio Romo still haunts my brain also seeing Veras giving up that home run to Shane Victorino of the Boston Red Sox in the 2013 ALCS that same series Joaquin Benoit gave up that Home Run to Big Papi

[@DavidRold-pt3ng]

Believe me, the Pirate fans feel even worse. But Jim was one of our best managers ever.

[@user-ud7ko4cq1n]

ONE OF THE BEST Hall Of Fame speeches ever. Not too short, not too long, and very concise and well thought out. Funny at times, touching at times, you name it. And Jim Leyland is the ultimate "PAID HIS DUES" guy. He was in his early 40's before virtually anyone had ever heard of him following 25 years in minor league and assistant coach obscurity. But he stayed with it, kept coaching very deep into life, somehow overcame about 1 million cigarettes to live a long life, and I'm so happy to see him have his day!

[@SD-th9sp]

I hate to sound like a grumpy grandpa, I’m only 34, but when I was 17, the managers included Leyland, Gardenhire, Francona, Torre, and Bochy. Just feels like baseball.

[@tonyfarfan2]

Leyland is a throwback. I used to love seeing his postgame interviews on Sportscenter. Always gold!

[@MarvinClay-ck7zj]

One of my all time favorite baseball people of all time. Im so happy that he finally got in the hall of fame. Long overdue. A class act.😊

[@Afamusic8]

Thank you for your time in Detroit, skipper! us long time fans never forgot. Go tigers! ⚾️🐅

[@Brian-pf7qq]

Leyland pure class all the way

[@kennethrobinson2941]

Great speech , Jim Leyland gave his heart and soul to this great game .A great man and manager who has earned his rightful place amongst the Games greats

[@frankmonaco1964]

My favorite Pirates manger by far. Had the opportunity to meet him a couple of times and he was just as friendly as a you'd expect.

[@gcamps22]

That's awesome

[@Thedrummerkid]

1000% ....wish he was still our manager. smoking cigs in the dugout. love this guy. and him getting up in Bonds' grill in the early 90s was absolutely legendary. he paid his dues in the minors and did it the right way. Jim Leyland. a baseball man.

[@TurkGallant]

Helluva speech, Skip. Amazing memories of your Tigers teams that all came back. Cutting a lot of onions over here 🥲

[@carolgolembiewski7752]

My favorite Bucco manager! That was a fantastic speech and as you have done in the past, brought me to tears. You are so real and you wear your heart right there on your sleeve. Yes, our hearts were broken as Sid Bream rounded third for sure but none of us will ever forget the early 90’s and winning the division 3 years in a row! Pittsburgh is so blessed that you call it your home where you chose to stay and raise your beautiful family. God bless you!

[@rogerwilliams3747]

Leyland made the ‘06 Tiger season magical! Thank you!

[@TWKOZAK]

One of the best decisions late owner Mike Ilitch ever made was bringing in Jim Leyland to Detroit. What an amazing career! Welcome to the HoF

[@alexpopovic1395]

Don’t cry bcz it’s over, smile bcz it happened

[@M21655]

What a speech

[@lancerew9787]

A great speech 🎤 from a great man! Definitely deserved to be in the hall of fame ⚾️

[@detruty]

One of baseball’s best…thanks Jim.

[@yankeeman1950]

Great speech from great guy! Congratulations!

[@harryiglesias]

Made me happy and yes, broke my heart... but I will always love you, skipper...well deserved honor

[@Woody10719]

eloquent speech. 2006 I was 12 had just played MVP Baseball 05 and started following the Tigers. Jim is so beloved.

[@dis9turbed314]

Thank you for all the memories Jim, I will never forget you.

[@SteveNewman-m6c]

Great speech! Truly a class guy. A lifer. A tremendous inductee!

[@erichench5401]

Amazing speech from Leyland!!

[@adamjrosenbaum]

Genuine and classy to the end. So glad my favorite manager received baseball’s ultimate honor

[@DouglasMills-k9l]

That was such a beautiful speech! I love Jim Leyland!❤

[@dacrabs]

How can you not love baseball after this speech?

[@DanCampbellsBrain]

Thank you for the best years of my childhood in Detroit Skip! We appreciated everything you did for the fans and for the city of Detroit! Forever a Tiger legend!

[@MrDodger3222]

Congratulations Jim!!! I'm glad you mentioned Barry Bonds in your speech!! It goes to show that you have balls of steel!!

[@HonoluluBlue81]

Jim is always a class act. Well deserved honor for one of the games great managers. Thank you for your time with the Tigers Jim. Detroit loves you!

[@robertagomez1474]

Wow! One of the best speeches I’ve ever heard. Made me cry for joy for him. Congratulations! I rooted so much for him to win a WS in Detroit. It was heartbreaking in the early 90’s bc of those damn Braves too. But glad he won with the Marlins though.

[@mikeycapp1]

What a Coach and a Gentleman, a tremendous Hall of Fame Speech Jim Leyland the personification of Greatness.

[@dxrocks06]

Amazing speech. Never knew Jim Leyland was such an emotional guy. Very cool.

[@notoriousfreyig2387]

Everytime the Tigers won the Central he was in the locker room sobbing, he’s always been emotional.

[@caveman3096]

I’ve been sobbing ever since he retired from Detroit!

[@domdela5217]

Indeed, great speech. I can hear Jim talk all day.

[@pt1122]

Crushed it . Jim is always authentic and a true baseball man

[@VandelayIndusties]

2006 is when I fell in love with baseball and the Detroit Tigers. In Jim’s tenure as skipper of The Tigers, I was such an involved fan. I went to spring training games, regular season, and post season games. That time of my life was the happiest I’ve ever been. I love Jim and I’m so grateful for his time in the city I love so so much. They say there’s no crying in baseball… well, I guess I’m disqualified then. Thank you, Jim. 🥹👏🏽⚾️🐅😭

[@ArtShendell]

Thank you for bringing me so much joy, Jim. Attended Game 1 of the 97 WS with my Dad. A memory I think about quite often and will never forget! Go Fish!

[@yerocelgo]

Was listening to this at the gym and the end gave me chills, because I WAS that kid who ran back to my parents with an autograph to show them my newest treasure. Well done Jim, congrats on becoming baseball royalty, we love you!

[@jumpmansolie]

I always get choked up watching great players, and managers thank every one that made them who they are. Congratulations Jim! He was one of my Atlanta Braves biggest rivals with the Pitates, and the Marlins, but later I gained so much respect, and admiration for him, once I started too know who he was!!! Too even start pulling for you with the Tigers.... I will always have a place in my heart for you skip!!!!!

[@gcamps22]

Legend!

[@hughjaass3787]

Leyland is Da Man!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@yotefan8286]

Outstanding speech. Amazing career. TY sir.

[@derekrouth8378]

One of the best.No doubt.He made it.Thank you,Jim.

[@jrosefamily4]

One of the best and classiest managers ever to manage in the big leagues... you deserve it Jim!

[@robertsutter8204]

The manager who had the greatest respect for the game. Jim will always be appreciated for having his players play with passion and great effort so the fans always got their money's worth coming to the game. Thank you Jim

[@joevictor8431]

You absolutely earned it and deserve this and more Jim! Your passion, class and humor remain unmatched. You are a great influence for me as a human. Thanks for all of it!

[@LuisGonzalez-i4t]

Thank You for being apart of 97 and making a kids dream come true Jim. Well deserved

[@tw1404]

A totally class act! Thanks, Jim. Those Pirate teams of the 1990s brought my mom ❤️ a lot of joy! Congratulations on the HOF! Well deserved!

[@deantackett2059]

As a rangers fan mad respect to Jim Leyland. HOF manager for sure. That ending line got me 😢

[@kennethbrown5164]

Wow.. so consise, personal, reflective, nostalgic, inspirational, and emotional... one of the best speeches I've ever heard!

[@dennismcgowan4059]

I am a Pirates fan for life and am extremely honored that Jim was our coach. His love and passion for the game, his players and fans can't be touched. I love the fact that he was cast into the hall while still alive. God bless!

[@tobycarlin8891]

Jim’s a great guy. My kids swam with his kids at our club and I used to chat with him after golf. Always grounded and always a roll up your sleeve and get to work Pittsburgh type guy. Happy for him and the family.

[@joseluiszazuetaduenas6512]

The real deserver of that price. Complete at all. My favorite Pirates manager for all times. Jim Leyland: "the master" of MLB.

[@benwright794]

Favorite coach of all time 👏

[@TJ-mm4qg]

Legend

[@jerryking8555]

I'm a 62 years young lifer Reds fan, with Sparky Anderson being my all time favorite manager; Jim Leyland: you are my 2nd favorite!! Congratulations sir!

[@davidj.3418]

Great speech, Jim Leyland! This is a well-deserved honor. I am so glad that your dear friend, Gene Lamont, was there to see you officially enter the Baseball Hall of Fame. I wish that Bill Virdon could have been here to see you inducted as well.

[@stephenthompson3348]

Great guy. Loved his approach to th game “Gruff, no nonsense”

[@benjaminperez7328]

Yinz know that the whole time he was thinking “I need a GD cigarette!”

[@gcamps22]

Yinz over there get me a cig!

[@45vinyljunkie]

Not one cigarette in 16 minutes. That must be a record for him.

[@toddcampbell1647]

I was waiting for him to just light a heater on the stage

[@justinholtman]

Remember him as tigers manager growing up as a kid. Last time tigers were good too

[@amonrodriguez3518]

They look close this year. Gotta offload Baez somehow maybe trade Skubal and get a lot back

[@DetroitSportsFanSince2002]

@@amonrodriguez3518 First the Tigers best bet for Javier Baez is to eat his contract no team would trade anything for him at the moment as for trading Tarik Skubal they are not going to trade the best pitcher of baseball this year especially you are not going to get a lot back from him like Washington got in a Juan Soto trade in 2022 because he is 27 years of age.

[@chadvartanian9125]

Hands down, one of the best managers to ever do it, and the only one who’s on record, checking Bonds’s ego.

[@vhdtim]

I cried

[@marclaporte3710]

One of the finest managers of my lifetime.

[@ItsyaBoytheKid]

As a Yankee fan I always hated facing Leyland and the tigers. Jim Leyland just exudes respect. Much respect Mr. Leyland.

[@gcamps22]

We love ya Jim! Go Tigers 🐅

[@PlaceStillMatters]

I absolutely love Jim Leyland. Mr. Leyland, I met you back in the early nineties in St. Louis. You were kind enough to give me your signature. I still have it on the game score card after another big win. I just read "The Chicken Runs at Midnight," too. It was nice learning about your teams from the inside. I wish you all the best. Thank you.

[@Kwood99]

What a class act

[@deanNRSV8661]

This IS baseball. Awesome!!! ⚾️❤️

[@kimgaide7926]

I love baseball, I love the Tigers through good and bad, but Jim Leyland being the coach, there was always excitement and coaching was great!

[@xjarhead40]

Love this guy! My favorite coach ever. Even Sparky takes 2nd

[@cjdoy]

Congrats Jim!

[@anthonyd6984]

He was the best.

[@Nhamp2000]

Leyland is so old school I bet he was born looking 70 years old. Wears his heart on his sleeve and is not afraid to chew out star players, be they Kirk Gibson or Barry Bonds. I would've loved to see him get a WS with the Tigers, but such is baseball.

[@maximus1318able]

1 speech he summed up why he's one of the most respected managers ever.

[@marksmithson1087]

Jim will always be loved by the people of Detroit. ALWAYS. A class man who brought so much fun to the city. We will never forget.

[@zachary9009]

Great speech. Congratulations, skip. Go Tigers.

[@garyoh5a]

One of the greats and from my area of the world Perrysburg Ohio👌

[@ABSQUARE85]

Cleveland loves HALL of FAMER JIM Leyland 97 WS Champ

[@jironcummings1299]

Thank you Jim for being my first introduction to baseball of a big league manager in South Florida back in ‘97!!!!

[@PS-vc2yz]

Class act

[@Fugettaboutit]

Lifer. Nice goin', Jim.

[@gnosticbaseball]

Great!

[@prestonlindbeck1197]

Knowing and learning the rule book. Makes any coach or manager better.

[@JoeMcCormick32174]

Might be the best HOF speech I've ever seen. Short, emotional, funny. What a humble guy.

[@MH3GL]

As a Tigers fan, thank you, Jim. Great memories in my 20s of the Boys In Blue going deep in the playoffs. It was a great time to be a Tigers fan. They don't make em like you anymore...

[@chrismumma7547]

What a great man. Jimmy Leland is very much missed.

[@MrChelsidy]

That closing was classic

[@WutTheDeuceGaming]

Made you proud to be a Tigers fan for once.

[@larrydanadavid2435]

There are 29 other teams for you to root for.

[@recusantvessel]

@@larrydanadavid2435 28 no one should root for the jankees

[@dougferber2052]

His speech at the dinner for him at the brewery was equally as touching.

[@busdriver3469]

The skipper for the Tigers making a great speech. One of the best ever!!

[@fourdoorglory]

Congrats Jim. Always a Tiger.

[@jcg2922]

Wow. That's character right there.

[@lukasgestrine]

Always hoped for this day. No one deserves it more.

[@tvelis513]

As a Detroit fan I still remember how emotional Jim was having not been able to give the World Series trophy to Tigers owner Mike Illitch. Thanks Jim for all you did in Detroit and congratulations.

[@layne-davison]

Need more Jim Leylands in baseball today

[@marilynhoste3961]

Congratulations Jimbo

[@aseasonedtrucker431]

Took long enough for Jim to get into the H.O.F

[@joecollie9136]

Well. I’m crying.

[@charliestewart7585]

Saw him coach the Montgomery Rebels in the early 70s. Had Alan Tramell at short. Baseball, been very very good to me.

[@ARooz11]

Atta boy Skip! We won't see another like him... knickers on... hacking darts in the tunnel... getting the most out of each and every player and they all played for him. Congrats Skipper