BREAKING: Detroit Tiger Alan Trammell’s Hall of Fame speech Full transcript

Former Detroit Tigers shortstop Alan Trammell was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday in Cooperstown, N.Y. Here’s an excerpt from his induction speech:

“Thank you, Jane (Forbes Clark) and Commissioner (Rob Manfred). I also want to thank Jeff, John, Whitney, and the entire Hall of Fame staff for making this experience unforgettable.

When people ask where I was when I first got the call from the Hall of Fame, I tell them that Jane called me while I was in the aisle deplaning after a flight from the winter meetings. You really can’t make that up. It was an overwhelming moment; I wanted to jump and yell, but I didn’t think that would be appropriate on a plane. My mind was racing—it was incredible. But even seven months later, I still struggle to find the right words.

 

 

 

I appreciate the Modern Era Baseball Committee for selecting both Jack (Morris) and me for this year’s class.

Honestly, I never thought this day would arrive. Knowing that many of our peers were on the voting committee makes it even more special. I want to congratulate my fellow inductees, Jack, Chipper, Jim, Vladi, and Hoffy. It’s an honor to enter the Hall of Fame alongside all of you. I also want to thank the Ilitch family for their contributions to the Tigers and the city of Detroit. You’ve been instrumental in bringing about so many positive changes in the Motor City. Thank you, Christopher Ilitch, and your entire family for everything you’ve done.

To Mr. Tiger, Al Kaline: thank you for exemplifying what it means to be a Tiger, always acting with class and dignity. I’m proud to have worn the Old English D throughout my entire playing career, just like you.

Tiger fans, I know you’re out there.

Today is just as much about you as it is about me. Your support over the years has meant so much, and today we can all celebrate together. As Ernie Harwell used to say, when the Tigers turned a double play, it’s like getting two for the price of one with Jack and me going into the Hall of Fame together.

My dream of playing Major League Baseball began long ago. I was fortunate to grow up in San Diego, a beautiful city with great weather that allowed me to spend time outdoors playing sports with my friends. I remember those summer days playing baseball like it was yesterday—whether it was hardball, tennis ball, rubber ball, or Wiffle ball, we were always keeping busy.

My parents, who are no longer with us, were incredibly supportive and recognized my love for baseball early on. They instilled in me the structure, discipline, and preparation necessary for success. My mother would be extremely proud. I think back to when we would listen to baseball games on the radio, and she would say, “If you ever make it to the major leagues, I want you to be humble like my favorite player, Stan Musial.” Well, Mom, I hope I’ve done you proud. I also had two sisters, Lynn and Nancy, who were always looking out for their little brother.

To my wife Barbara, who has been by my side throughout my entire professional career. Earlier this year, we celebrated our 40th anniversary. From the very beginning, she has been my greatest supporter, my confidant, and the backbone of our family. It’s no easy task being married to an athlete who travels all over the country for baseball, yet she managed to raise our three children, Lance, Kyle, and Jade. Barb, you did an amazing job. I love you.

In 1976, I received another memorable phone call, it came from the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers had just selected me with the second-round pick and the dream to play in the major leagues was soon to become a reality. I had already signed a letter of intent to play at UCLA, but it really wasn’t difficult to convince my parents to let me fulfill my childhood dreams.

 

 

 

Dick Wiencek, the scout who signed me, deserves a lot of recognition. He convinced Bill Lajoie, the Tigers’ scouting director, to draft a 165-pound shortstop without any power. Looking back, Bill trusted Dick’s judgment Dick went on to sign 72 major league players, the most in baseball history. I remember him telling me that if I could hit .250 and play solid defense, I’d have a long career in the majors. I doubt scouts are giving that advice to young shortstops today. Dick was also involved in drafting a few other Tigers that year, including my fellow inductee and teammate Jack Morris. This is the first time that two players from the same draft class have reached Cooperstown. The Tigers also picked Dan Petry, who formed a strong 1-2 punch with Jack in our rotation for years, and they drafted another shortstop who is here today—Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith. Although Ozzie didn’t sign with the Tigers and chose to go back to school, it’s clear that the Tigers had an outstanding draft that year. Dick, thank you for believing in me; your signings were crucial to our championship run in 1984.

For Tigers fans going through a rebuilding phase, there’s hope. We achieved success back then through good drafts and signings, and that’s our goal now.

Like all the Hall of Famers here today, many people helped me reach this point. I want to thank John Boggs and Gary Spicer for guiding me, as well as all my managers, coaches, trainers, clubhouse staff, and former teammates, many of whom are present today. We shared so many great moments, and our friendships will last a lifetime.

Throughout my career, I was closely linked with one person: Lou Whitaker. For 19 years, we formed the longest-running double-play combination in baseball history, a record I doubt will ever be broken. Lou and I were called up to the majors on the same day, debuted at Fenway Park on the same day, and even got our first hits off the same pitcher, Reggie Cleveland, and our last hits off Mike Fetters. That’s pretty incredible. Lou, it was an honor to play alongside you all those years, and I hope to see you up here one day

 

 

 

 

There’s one more person I want to thank: early in my career, the Tigers made a pivotal move by hiring a new manager, Sparky Anderson.

That decision was life-changing for me and many teammates. After being let go by the Cincinnati Reds, Sparky became the manager of the Tigers, and our lives changed dramatically. We thought we were good players, but Sparky showed us we had much to learn. He transformed us from a group of talented young players into fundamentally sound baseball players. It may sound simple, but there was a lot to it if you wanted to play Sparky’s way. His philosophy was always team first—check your ego at the door. I saw Sparky as an extension of my parents, providing tough love, discipline, and attention to detail. It took a few years for all of this to sink in, but those of us who stuck with it enjoyed great success. I will admit I questioned some of Sparky’s decisions, like in 1987 when he moved me from the second spot to cleanup. I thought he was making a mistake, but it turned out to be the best year of my career. I’m grateful I embraced Sparky’s approach. He had the biggest impact on my career, and I feel lucky to have played for him for 17 years. I know Sparky is smiling down on us today.

Eventually, this incredible journey will fully sink in. In my current role as a special assistant to the general manager, I can speak for the entire Tigers organization and all the fans—going into the Hall of Fame with the Old English D makes us all very proud. I feel honored to be part of Major League Baseball’s dream team. To everyone here in Cooperstown and those watching at home, thank you for being a part of this special day for me and my family.

Thank you.