It's official — Jim Thome has joined baseball's biggest legends as he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday.
Indians fans were aplenty in Cooperstown to show their support.
The @Indians fans were in Cooperstown for Jim Thome. And he was here for them. #HOFWKND pic.twitter.com/CzXsIu8JR4
— Baseball Hall ⚾ (@baseballhall) July 29, 2018
RELATED: The most memorable moments of Jim Thome's years with the Indians
While Thome wore more than just an Indians jersey during his time on the field — he played for six different teams in 22 seasons — he will always have a very special place in Cleveland's heart.
One of the greatest power hitters to play the game. #HOFWKND pic.twitter.com/TjiFa6IpQy
— MLB Stat of the Day (@MLBStatoftheDay) July 29, 2018
When Thome found out he had been elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame, he was sitting at his dining room table and shared an emotional moment with his family. As far as we're concerned, there's no one more deserving of this honor.
Thome's plaque does not feature the Chief Wahoo logo. Instead, it features the "Block C," according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Thome opened his induction speech remembering himself as a boy who would hit rocks with an aluminum baseball bat, hoping one day to be a professional baseball player.
"This is the ultimate dream come true," he said.
Of course, he also recognized his fans and the support they have always given him, acknowledging "the faithfulness of the Cleveland loyalist." He said his time in Northeast Ohio shaped the person he is today.
"Cleveland is where my career was born," he said.
He also gave a nod to his fellow Hall of Fame inductees, his family and all the people who have supported him throughout his career.
Towards the end of his speech, Thome gave some words of advice to every kid who is dreaming of being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame one day. Among his great advice, Thome closed it out with what he called the most important piece of advice, something he is so well known for — above all, to treat people with respect.
The day was made even more special for Thome as his daughter sang the national anthem before the induction.
Jim Thome’s 15-year-old daughter nails the high notes of the national anthem at the @baseballhall induction pic.twitter.com/hXafob8SpC
— MLSchultze (@MLSchultze) July 29, 2018
Lila Thome, daughter of 2018 Hall of Fame inductee Jim Thome.. will perform the National Anthem.
Just crushed it during practice..#ChipperHOF #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/uB5ct1Rh32
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) July 29, 2018
"Baseball is beautiful, and I am forever in it's service," Thome said as he closed his speech.
Way to go, slugger! Congrats on this achievement.
