Entertainment
MLB Star Scott Rolen Reflects on Career, Family in Passionate Hall of Fame Speech
By Jake Beardslee · July 25, 2023
In brief…
- Former star third baseman Scott Rolen gave an emotional speech during his Hall of Fame induction in Cooperstown, NY.
- Rolen gave a heartfelt thanks to the four teams he played for in his storied 17-year career.
- Fondly recalled how his parents drove from Florida to Philadelphia to watch his first MLB game .
- In a era of ego and hype in professional sports, Rolen's down-to-earth humanity is refreshing.
Cooperstown, NY - Former third baseman Scott Rolen delivered an emotional speech reflecing on his storied 17-year MLB career during his induction into Baseball’s Hall of Fame.
“I’ve had the privilege of playing with four organizations,” Rolen said in his remarks. “Each one has its own personal time stamp on my life and my career.”
Rolen thanked the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds organizations and their fans for the opportunities and support they provided over the years.
“Saint Louis: Two World Series, one a winner, four division titles, two National League championships,” Rolen said of his time with the Cardinals which ran from 2002 to 2007.
The seven-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glove winner grew sentimental as he recalled the beginnings of his MLB journey.
“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,” Rolen recalled. “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. And anyway, they made it to the first game of the double header 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.”
Rolen then gave one from the heart: “I am a friend. I am a brother. I am a son. I am a husband. And I am the greatest gift a father,” Rolen said. “So Nick, Raine, Finn. Todd, Sis. Dad and Mom. Thank you. I love you.”
Rolen’s humanity shone through has he took a bow for a truly memorable MLB career.