"My dad made me believe I could stand up here today" - Ex-Rockies star Todd Helton chokes up while honoring late father in HOF induction speech

Todd Helton, who played his entire 17-year major league career with the Colorado Rockies, remembered his late father as he became the latest entrant to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He joined Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer and Jim Leyland at an induction ceremony hosted by the MLB at the Clark Sports Center.

Helton was among the first of the four inductees who took to the podium for his Hall of Fame acceptance speech. Among the many things he discussed, he honored his late father while revisiting memories from his childhood and got emotional while remembering his father.

"This would have meant as much, if not more, to him than it does me," Helton said.

"When I was young, my dad taught me how to swing a bat and how to pitch a ball. But most importantly, beyond the relentless coaching, my dad made me believe I could stand up here today."

After being drafted eighth overall in 1995, Todd Helton went on to earn five All-Star selections, three Gold Glove awards and four Silver Sluggers. He was also a recipient to the Dick Howser Trophy. The Rockies honored Helton by retiring his No. 17 jersey.

Helton earned Hall of Fame status in January, earning 79.7% of the ballot in his sixth year of eligibility.

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Todd Helton relieved after saying his piece on the podium

For Todd Helton, one of the most difficult tasks at Sunday's ceremony was to nail a perfect HOF speech.

His speech was full of gratitude and references to Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Kaat, his time playing quarterback with the University of Tennessee and his bad luck with speeding tickets.

After being done with his HOF speech, Helton joined the broadcasting crew to discuss his experience on the podium.

"It's something I've never done or experienced before. You know, once I got going, I felt okay.

"You know, I was able to look at my kids right there, and they called me a lot. So I'm actually ready to go to bed right now. I was so amped up for it, and I'm, like, so relaxed now," Helton said.

Helton's plaque, which has his achievements inscribed on it, will go to Cooperstown to sit among MLB legends.