COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – Jim Leyland gave an eloquent speech on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the most idyllic small-town American setting.
That was not a surprise to anyone who knows Leyland. He has a way of gaining people’s attention with his deep commanding voice and sense of humor. However, there was one surprise when Leyland spoke during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in the field behind the Clark Sports Center, speaking third among the four inductees – after Todd Helton and Adrian Beltre and before Joe Mauer.
Leyland’s voice did not crack until nearly three-quarters through his speech. A man noted for showing his emotions kept them in check for longer than anyone who knows him thought possible. What brought Leyland nearly to tears was talking about Gene Lamont.
One former Pittsburgh Pirates manager explained the importance of another former Pittsburgh Pirates manager to a large chunk of his 51-year professional baseball career. Leyland mentioned that Lamont and Rich Donnelly were the first coaches he hired when he replaced Chuck Tanner as the Pirates’ manager during the 1985-86 offseason. Leyland lauded Donnelly for scheduling spring training workouts and how they were flawlessly executed.
Then, Leyland got to Lamont and almost lost control. “Gene was listed as a coach but really was another manager,” Leyland said. “It was unbelievable to have your closest friend standing next to you in the dugout through the good times and the tough times.
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