Cooperstown, New York - "Saint Louis, two World Series (one a winner), four division titles, two National League championships, and most-importantly, these two clowns in the front row (his children). Nikki and I started our family in no better place at no better time. Family is the operative word in this (Cardinals) organization. They are first-class everything, with unconditionally loyal fans. Thank you, Saint Louis."
That was a part of former Cardinals third baseman Scott Rolen's National Baseball Hall of Fame speech on Sunday, in which he largely bypassed naming names and focused on his journey to the Hall, speaking a lot about his upbringing in Indiana and advice from his father.
Rolen also talked about his preparation, "Effort never takes a day off. I believe in putting in the quantity to know what quality is. I believe in the process. I believe in the approach. I believe in the work."
Rolen also thanked the Hall of Fame baseball writers who voted for him, "At no point in my lifetime did it ever occur to me that I'd be standing on this stage, but I'm glad it occurred to you, because this is unbelievably special."
Former Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols recorded the speech introduction video.
Rolen entered the hall with former big league first baseman Fred McGriff.
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