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The Baseball Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 officially joined the shrine on Sunday, July 26, with Carlos Beltran, Andruw Jones and Jeff Kent being inducted in Cooperstown, New York.
More: Terry Francona had high praise for Baseball Hall of Fame's media honorees
Beltran, of Puerto Rico, and Jones, from Curacao, gave the ceremony a Caribbean flair, giving parts of their acceptance speeches in their native languages.
Beltran was a classic five-tool star over his 20-year career, hitting 435 home runs and stealing 312 bases before finally winning a World Series in his final season.
Jones was one of the greatest defensive center fielders in history, winning 10 consecutive Gold Glove awards. Kent was one of the most prolific second base sluggers of all time and was the 2000 National League MVP.
Beltran was in his fourth year on the ballot, Jones his ninth and Kent was voted in through the veterans committee.
Beltran likened the nervousness he was feeling before his Hall of Fame speech to his first at-bat in the majors.
"There's no doubt baseball became my classroom," Beltran said as he described his learning process, starting from his early days growing up in Puerto Rico to his MLB debut at age 21.
"In Kansas City, I had an incredible privilege to be around one of the greatest competitors this game has ever seen: Mr. George Brett," Beltran said. "You taught me something that I will never forget − that greatness is built long before anyone is watching."
Beltran reflected on the trade in 2004 that took him from a lowly Royals team to a playoff contender in Houston. He praised veterans and future Hall of Famers Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell for the example they set with their work ethic.
"I saw you guys grind, day in and day out. That was very special to me. And that was something that I carried for the rest of my life," Beltran said. "There was no way I could have lasted 20 years in the big leagues without learning how to play with pain. Thank you."
Despite his many successes at several stops along his career, Beltran enters the Hall with a New York Mets cap on his plaque.
"Every organization shapes your career. New York shaped my life," he explained. "The Mets cap, what it represents to me is growth. And it represents a place where I became the best version of myself."
A great fielder and powerful slugger, Jones went from 7.3% support in his first year on the ballot to more than 78% in his ninth year of eligibility.
"I never got to see Willie Mays play, so Ken Griffey was my guy. I wanted to be like him," Jones said. "For me and Carlos to join Griffey, Willie and the other great center fielders in the Hall of Fame is hard to put into words."
Jones referenced his humble beginnings in Curacao to become the nation's first Baseball Hall of Famer, while shouting out the 16 other residents of the island (including Ozzie Albies, Kenley Jansen and Ceddanne Rafaela) who've also reached the majors.
He praised his manager for all 12 of his seasons with the Braves, the late Bobby Cox.
"He put a 19-year-old in the World Series lineup and believed in me," Jones said. "Bobby had confidence in me and helped me become the best player I could be. He commanded respect, created a winning culture. ... He was like a second father to me. I know he's looking down, laughing and (would) be so happy for me and my family. Thank you, Bobby."
Jones also said it was an honor to join other Braves in the Hall, including "my brother from a different mother" Chipper Jones. "Chipper pushed for my induction for many years," he said. "The Jones boys are in Cooperstown now!"
Although Kent never reached the required 75% by the Baseball Writers' Association, he was elected in his first appearance on the veterans committee (Contemporary Era) ballot.
"When my wife and I had a chance to visit the Hall of Fame museum just a few months ago, I finally realized the weight that this game carries," Kent said in his acceptance speech. "The halls are filled with stories that you can't experience anywhere else. And to know that I get to be a part of that history standing alongside the legends I grew up watching ...
"The word 'overwhelming' doesn't even begin to describe it."
Kent also paid special tribute to the late Hall of Famer and fellow second baseman Ryne Sandberg.
"He played with respect. He played with toughness and he played with a quiet fire. And I hope he knows that a lot of us who came after him played that way as well."
And Kent did not forget former teammate Barry Bonds, with whom he occasionally clashed during their time together in San Francisco. He called Bonds "one of the most talented players this game has ever seen."
Watch MLB Network on Fubo
Before turning the stage over to the three 2026 inductees, Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark asked for a moment of silence to honor three Hall members who passed away since last year's ceremony.
A total of 60 Hall of Fame members (including the three new inductees) will be on the stage this afternoon at the Clark Sports Center.
It's the largest-ever gathering of Hall of Famers in Cooperstown.
For the 10th consecutive year, MLB Network anchor Brian Kenny is serving as the master of ceremonies.
The 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. ET in Cooperstown, New York.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Cooperstown, New York.
Cooperstown is in upstate New York − Otsego County − about a 200-mile drive from Yankee Stadium.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baseball Hall of Fame 2026: Beltran, Jones, Kent enter Cooperstown
Continue reading...
More: Terry Francona had high praise for Baseball Hall of Fame's media honorees
Beltran, of Puerto Rico, and Jones, from Curacao, gave the ceremony a Caribbean flair, giving parts of their acceptance speeches in their native languages.
Beltran was a classic five-tool star over his 20-year career, hitting 435 home runs and stealing 312 bases before finally winning a World Series in his final season.
Jones was one of the greatest defensive center fielders in history, winning 10 consecutive Gold Glove awards. Kent was one of the most prolific second base sluggers of all time and was the 2000 National League MVP.
Beltran was in his fourth year on the ballot, Jones his ninth and Kent was voted in through the veterans committee.
Carlos Beltran credits teammates for helping him succeed
Beltran likened the nervousness he was feeling before his Hall of Fame speech to his first at-bat in the majors.
"There's no doubt baseball became my classroom," Beltran said as he described his learning process, starting from his early days growing up in Puerto Rico to his MLB debut at age 21.
"In Kansas City, I had an incredible privilege to be around one of the greatest competitors this game has ever seen: Mr. George Brett," Beltran said. "You taught me something that I will never forget − that greatness is built long before anyone is watching."
Beltran reflected on the trade in 2004 that took him from a lowly Royals team to a playoff contender in Houston. He praised veterans and future Hall of Famers Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell for the example they set with their work ethic.
"I saw you guys grind, day in and day out. That was very special to me. And that was something that I carried for the rest of my life," Beltran said. "There was no way I could have lasted 20 years in the big leagues without learning how to play with pain. Thank you."
Despite his many successes at several stops along his career, Beltran enters the Hall with a New York Mets cap on his plaque.
"Every organization shapes your career. New York shaped my life," he explained. "The Mets cap, what it represents to me is growth. And it represents a place where I became the best version of myself."
Andruw Jones takes pride in Braves connection
A great fielder and powerful slugger, Jones went from 7.3% support in his first year on the ballot to more than 78% in his ninth year of eligibility.
"I never got to see Willie Mays play, so Ken Griffey was my guy. I wanted to be like him," Jones said. "For me and Carlos to join Griffey, Willie and the other great center fielders in the Hall of Fame is hard to put into words."
Jones referenced his humble beginnings in Curacao to become the nation's first Baseball Hall of Famer, while shouting out the 16 other residents of the island (including Ozzie Albies, Kenley Jansen and Ceddanne Rafaela) who've also reached the majors.
He praised his manager for all 12 of his seasons with the Braves, the late Bobby Cox.
"He put a 19-year-old in the World Series lineup and believed in me," Jones said. "Bobby had confidence in me and helped me become the best player I could be. He commanded respect, created a winning culture. ... He was like a second father to me. I know he's looking down, laughing and (would) be so happy for me and my family. Thank you, Bobby."
Jones also said it was an honor to join other Braves in the Hall, including "my brother from a different mother" Chipper Jones. "Chipper pushed for my induction for many years," he said. "The Jones boys are in Cooperstown now!"
Jeff Kent 'overwhelmed' by Hall of Fame honor
Although Kent never reached the required 75% by the Baseball Writers' Association, he was elected in his first appearance on the veterans committee (Contemporary Era) ballot.
"When my wife and I had a chance to visit the Hall of Fame museum just a few months ago, I finally realized the weight that this game carries," Kent said in his acceptance speech. "The halls are filled with stories that you can't experience anywhere else. And to know that I get to be a part of that history standing alongside the legends I grew up watching ...
"The word 'overwhelming' doesn't even begin to describe it."
Kent also paid special tribute to the late Hall of Famer and fellow second baseman Ryne Sandberg.
"He played with respect. He played with toughness and he played with a quiet fire. And I hope he knows that a lot of us who came after him played that way as well."
And Kent did not forget former teammate Barry Bonds, with whom he occasionally clashed during their time together in San Francisco. He called Bonds "one of the most talented players this game has ever seen."
How to watch Baseball Hall of Fame induction
- Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
- TV: MLB Network
Watch MLB Network on Fubo
Hall ceremony remembers stars who died in past year
Before turning the stage over to the three 2026 inductees, Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark asked for a moment of silence to honor three Hall members who passed away since last year's ceremony.
- Longtime Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg
- Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Bill Mazeroski
- Legendary manager Bobby Cox
How many Hall of Famers are attending this year's ceremony?
A total of 60 Hall of Fame members (including the three new inductees) will be on the stage this afternoon at the Clark Sports Center.
It's the largest-ever gathering of Hall of Famers in Cooperstown.
For the 10th consecutive year, MLB Network anchor Brian Kenny is serving as the master of ceremonies.
What time is Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony?
The 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. ET in Cooperstown, New York.
Hall of Fame inductees 2026
OF Carlos Beltrán
- Years: 1998–2017
- Teams: Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers.
2B Jeff Kent
- Years: 1992–2008
- Teams: Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, Cleveland, San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, and Los Angeles Dodgers
OF Andruw Jones
- Years: 1996–2012
- Teams: Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees
Where is the Baseball Hall of Fame?
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Cooperstown, New York.
Where is Cooperstown?
Cooperstown is in upstate New York − Otsego County − about a 200-mile drive from Yankee Stadium.
Carlos Beltran stats
- 1998 (Kansas City Royals): 15 games | .276 AVG | 0 HR | 7 RBIs | 3 SB
- 1999 (Kansas City Royals): 156 games | .293 AVG | 22 HR | 108 RBIs | 27 SB (AL Rookie of the Year)
- 2000 (Kansas City Royals): 98 games | .247 AVG | 7 HR | 44 RBIs | 15 SB
- 2001 (Kansas City Royals): 155 games | .306 AVG | 24 HR | 101 RBIs | 31 SB
- 2002 (Kansas City Royals): 162 games | .273 AVG | 29 HR | 105 RBIs | 35 SB
- 2003 (Kansas City Royals): 141 games | .307 AVG | 26 HR | 100 RBIs | 41 SB
- 2004 (Kansas City Royals / Houston Astros): 159 games | .267 AVG | 38 HR | 104 RBIs | 42 SB
- KC (90 games): .278 AVG | 15 HR | 51 RBIs | 14 SB
- HOU (69 games): .258 AVG | 23 HR | 53 RBIs | 28 SB
- 2005 (New York Mets): 151 games | .266 AVG | 16 HR | 78 RBIs | 17 SB
- 2006 (New York Mets): 140 games | .275 AVG | 41 HR | 116 RBIs | 18 SB
- 2007 (New York Mets): 144 games | .276 AVG | 33 HR | 112 RBIs | 23 SB
- 2008 (New York Mets): 161 games | .284 AVG | 27 HR | 112 RBIs | 25 SB
- 2009 (New York Mets): 81 games | .325 AVG | 10 HR | 48 RBIs | 11 SB
- 2010 (New York Mets): 64 games | .255 AVG | 7 HR | 27 RBIs | 3 SB
- 2011 (New York Mets / San Francisco Giants): 142 games | .300 AVG | 22 HR | 84 RBIs | 4 SB
- NYM (98 games): .289 AVG | 15 HR | 66 RBIs | 3 SB
- SF (44 games): .323 AVG | 7 HR | 18 RBIs | 1 SB
- 2012 (St. Louis Cardinals): 151 games | .269 AVG | 32 HR | 97 RBIs | 13 SB
- 2013 (St. Louis Cardinals): 145 games | .296 AVG | 24 HR | 84 RBIs | 2 SB
- 2014 (New York Yankees): 109 games | .233 AVG | 15 HR | 49 RBIs | 3 SB
- 2015 (New York Yankees): 133 games | .276 AVG | 19 HR | 67 RBIs | 0 SB
- 2016 (New York Yankees / Texas Rangers): 151 games | .295 AVG | 29 HR | 93 RBIs | 1 SB
- NYY (99 games): .304 AVG | 22 HR | 64 RBIs | 0 SB
- TEX (52 games): .280 AVG | 7 HR | 29 RBIs | 1 SB
- 2017 (Houston Astros): 129 games | .231 AVG | 14 HR | 51 RBIs | 0 SB
Jeff Kent stats
- 1992 (Toronto Blue Jays/New York Mets): 102 games | .239 AVG | 11 HR | 50 RBIs | 2 SB
- TOR (65 games): .240 AVG | 8 HR | 34 RBIs | 2 SB
- NYM (37 games): .239 AVG | 3 HR | 16 RBIs | 0 SB
- 1993 (New York Mets): 140 games | .270 AVG | 21 HR | 80 RBIs | 4 SB
- 1994(New York Mets): 107 games | .292 AVG | 14 HR | 68 RBIs | 1 SB
- 1995(New York Mets): 125 games | .278 AVG | 20 HR | 65 RBIs | 3 SB
- 1996 (New York Mets/Cleveland Indians): 128 games | .284 AVG | 12 HR | 55 RBIs | 6 SB
- NYM (89 games): .290 AVG | 9 HR | 39 RBIs | 4 SB
- CLE (39 games): .265 AVG | 3 HR | 16 RBIs | 2 SB
- 1997 (San Francisco Giants): 155 games | .250 AVG | 29 HR | 121 RBIs | 11 SB
- 1998 (San Francisco Giants): 137 games | .297 AVG | 31 HR | 128 RBIs | 9 SB
- 1999 (San Francisco Giants): 138 games | .290 AVG | 23 HR | 101 RBIs | 13 SB
- 2000 (San Francisco Giants): 159 games | .334 AVG | 33 HR | 125 RBIs | 12 SB (NL MVP)
- 2001 (San Francisco Giants): 159 games | .298 AVG | 22 HR | 106 RBIs | 7 SB
- 2002 (San Francisco Giants): 152 games | .313 AVG | 37 HR | 108 RBIs | 5 SB
- 2003 (Houston Astros): 130 games | .297 AVG | 22 HR | 93 RBIs | 6 SB
- 2004 (Houston Astros): 145 games | .289 AVG | 27 HR | 107 RBIs | 7 SB
- 2005 (Los Angeles Dodgers): 149 games | .289 AVG | 29 HR | 105 RBIs | 6 SB
- 2006 (Los Angeles Dodgers): 115 games | .292 AVG | 14 HR | 68 RBIs | 1 SB
- 2007 (Los Angeles Dodgers): 136 games | .302 AVG | 20 HR | 79 RBIs | 1 SB
- 2008 (Los Angeles Dodgers): 121 games | .280 AVG | 12 HR | 59 RBIs | 0 SB
Andruw Jones stats
- 1996 (Atlanta Braves): 31 games | .217 AVG | 5 HR | 13 RBIs | 3 SB
- 1997 (Atlanta Braves): 153 games | .231 AVG | 18 HR | 70 RBIs | 20 SB
- 1998 (Atlanta Braves): 159 games | .271 AVG | 31 HR | 90 RBIs | 27 SB
- 1999 (Atlanta Braves): 162 games | .275 AVG | 26 HR | 84 RBIs | 24 SB
- 2000 (Atlanta Braves): 161 games | .303 AVG | 36 HR | 104 RBIs | 21 SB
- 2001 (Atlanta Braves): 161 games | .251 AVG | 34 HR | 104 RBIs | 11 SB
- 2002 (Atlanta Braves): 154 games | .264 AVG | 35 HR | 94 RBIs | 8 SB
- 2003 (Atlanta Braves): 156 games | .277 AVG | 36 HR | 116 RBIs | 4 SB
- 2004 (Atlanta Braves): 154 games | .261 AVG | 29 HR | 91 RBIs | 6 SB
- 2005 (Atlanta Braves): 160 games | .263 AVG | 51 HR | 128 RBIs | 5 SB
- 2006 (Atlanta Braves): 156 games | .262 AVG | 41 HR | 129 RBIs | 4 SB
- 2007 (Atlanta Braves): 154 games | .222 AVG | 26 HR | 94 RBIs | 5 SB
- 2008 (Los Angeles Dodgers): 75 games | .158 AVG | 3 HR | 14 RBIs | 0 SB
- 2009 (Texas Rangers): 82 games | .214 AVG | 17 HR | 43 RBIs | 5 SB
- 2010 (Chicago White Sox): 107 games | .230 AVG | 19 HR | 48 RBIs | 9 SB
- 2011 (New York Yankees): 77 games | .247 AVG | 13 HR | 33 RBIs | 0 SB
- 2012 (New York Yankees): 94 games | .197 AVG | 14 HR | 34 RBIs | 0 SB
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baseball Hall of Fame 2026: Beltran, Jones, Kent enter Cooperstown
Continue reading...
