Scott Rolen delivers emotional Baseball Hall of Fame Induction speech

I've had the privilege of playing with four organizations. Derrick, Chipper, I'll have to explain that to you later. Each one has its own personal time stamp on my life and my career. I'm going to start with the Phillies and Philadelphia. Thank you for teaching me how to play the game with a genuine effort and honesty on the field and with the media. I was drafted, developed, given the opportunity, and challenged to play with full effort and a toughness that I hope middle infielders felt deep inside on a double play ball. St. Louis, two World Series, one a winner, four division titles, two National League championships, and most importantly, these two clowns in the front row. Nick and I started our family in no better place at no better time. Family is the operative word in this organization. They're first class everything with unconditionally loyal fans. Thank you, St. Louis. The Blue Jays in Toronto. Short but fulfilling time in a great city and organization. You gambled on me in a tough time in my career and I truly appreciate you for it. I met good people, had great teammates, and made lifelong friends and memories. Thank you, Toronto. Finally, the Red Legs in Cincinnati. Walt came and got me again. Thank you for your trust and loyalty. I had breakfast with the kids in the clubhouse and a challenge to take on a different role in my career. I appreciate the exaggerated credit I was given, but in reality, it was an incredibly talented group of teammates with a hunger to go first to third to make it all happen. Thank you, Cincinnati. My major league career started on August 1st in 1996 on a scorching hot day in Veterans Stadium in a doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals. That day, my parents drove overnight from Florida. Because mom's claustrophobic and won't get on a plane and has a fear of snakes. Anyway, they made it to the first game of the doubleheader in the top of the fourth inning. The greatest moment of my career happened that day. Seeing mom and dad walk to their seats from my position at third base was a feeling never topped again in my 17 years. In baseball, I am a Jasper Wildcat. I am an Indiana Bull. I am a Philadelphia Philly. I am a St. Louis Cardinal. I am a Toronto Blue Jay. I am a Cincinnati Red. And today, because of all your support, I am a National Baseball Hall of Famer. In my life, I am a friend. I am a brother. I am a son. I am a husband. And I am the greatest gift, a father. So, Nick, Rain, Finn, Todd, sis, dad, and mom, thank you. I love you. Awesome. And emotional. Scott Rowland, obviously, today.