During batting practice, Atlanta Braves batting coach Greg Walker (27) and players watch the speech by former Braves pitcher Tom Glavine from the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstoiwn, before the Braves’ game against the San Diego Padres at Turner Field on Sunday, July 27, 2014, in Atlanta. Three former Braves–manager Bobby Cox, and pitchers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine–were inducted into the hall Sunday.COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – Frank Thomas choked back tears, Joe Torre apologized for leaving people out of his speech and Tony La Russa said he felt uneasy.
Being enshrined in the Hall of Fame can have those effects, even on the greats.
Thomas, pitchers Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux, and managers Bobby Cox, Torre and La Russa were inducted into the baseball shrine Sunday, and all paid special tribute to their families before an adoring crowd of nearly 50,000.
“I’m speechless. Thanks for having me in your club,” Thomas said, getting emotional as he remembered his late father. “Frank Sr., I know you’re watching. Without you, I know 100 percent I wouldn’t be here in Cooperstown today. You always preached to me, ‘You can be someone special if you really work at it.’ I took that to heart, Pop.”
“Mom, I thank you for all the motherly love and support. I know it wasn’t easy.”