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WATCH: Former Oriole Harold Baines Praises St. Michaels In Hall Of Fame Induction Speech

COOPERSTOWN, NY (WJZ/AP) -- Maryland native and former Orioles hitter Harold Baines has been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Baines was joined by relievers Mariano Rivera and Lee Smith and designated hitter Edgar Martinez as well as former Orioles pitcher Mike Mussina. Baines was born in Easton and went to St. Michaels High School.

The late Roy Halladay was also inducted posthumously.

Former Orioles Pitcher Mike Mussina Inducted In Baseball Hall Of Fame

National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK - JULY 21: Inductees (from left) Harold Baines, Lee Smith, Edgar Martinez, Mike Mussina, Mariano Rivera and Brandy Halladay, wife the late Roy Halladay, pose with their plaques during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center on July 21, 2019 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The soft-spoken Baines never displayed much emotion in his 22-year career, but his voice cracked throughout his speech.

"Somehow I acquired a reputation for not saying much. I'm not sure why," he deadpanned at the start. "From teachers to coaches who showed me kindness and discipline, I thank you all for what you've done for me. If I can leave you with one message, it's to give back to your community. I stand here very humbled. It has taken time to sink in."

Baines, the first overall pick in the 1977 draft by the White Sox, played 22 seasons for the White Sox, Rangers, Athletics, Orioles and Indians, was a six-time All-Star, and twice won the Outstanding Designated Hitter Award. An eight-time .300 hitter who reached the 20-homer mark in 11 seasons, Baines drove in at least 90 runs eight times and ranks 34th on the all-time list with 1,628 RBIs. He retired with 2,866 hits and 1,628 RBIs, one of only 17 players in MLB history to have reached both 2,800 hits and 1,600 RBIs.

Texas Rangers vs Baltimore Orioles
Harold Baines, designated hitter and rightfielder for the Baltimore Orioles during the Major League Baseball American League East game against the Texas Rangers on 30 July 1997 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Orioles won 3 - 1. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Allsport/Getty Images)
Harold Baines #3
3 Apr 2000: Harold Baines #3 of the Baltimore Orioles watches the ball after hitting it during the game against the Cleveland Indians at the Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. The Indians defeated the Orioles 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport

Baines saved his last moments to pay tribute to the White Sox and to his family, thanking his mom and dad and wife Marla, who also had to hold back tears.

Two Former Orioles Are Elected To Baseball Hall Of Fame

"You are the true Hall of Famer of our family," Baines said as he looked out at his wife. "The game has given us a lot of shared moments, memories like today. Your presence here today makes my journey complete."

(© Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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