Jim Leyland Discusses HOF Speech & Barry Bonds at Florida Sports Hall of Fame VIP Party!!!

Allan from the Allen Alpha Sports Sucks show joined with the Hall of Famer Jim Leland. So, let's talk about that first and foremost. You got inducted to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame. How's it feel? >> Well, I'm really excited about it. We're I'm here tonight with my wife, my brother-in-law, my sister-in-law, and came out for this little party, pre-party, I guess, with the celebration tomorrow night. So, uh, total honor for me. Just thrilled to be going in. >> Yes. And I don't know if you remember, but I was at the Hall of Fame last year in Coopertown at the golf course. One of the things that you were nervous about was a speech. How do you feel as if the speech at the Hall of Fame went over? >> Well, I thought it went good. I I was happy with it. I was relieved when it was over. You know, all weekend everybody else was having a good time, but you got to give that speech on Sunday. So, you're handicapped a little bit, you know, because you're worried about it. You want to make sure you present it right. And uh, you know, I think it went over fine. You know, it came from the heart. So, I guess that's the best thing you can say. >> Yes. And one of the supporters that came there was Barry Bonds. You know, you and him have a long history. What do you think about him coming by to support you? >> Well, Barry's been a great friend of mine for a long time. still is and uh one of the greatest players. You can make an argument. One of the greatest players to ever play the game. So, you know, it's a thrill that Barry's my friend. I'm very proud of it. And like I said, we're still good buddies today. >> And if you're a player that wants to go ahead and make it to the Hall of Fame, what advice can you give them? >> Well, I think it's, you know, it's a matter of working. It's a matter of understanding what kind of player you are. You know, not every player is the same. Some people can hit for power, some can't. You have to understand what type of player you are and how you can contribute to a winning team. And when you contribute to a winning team, normally your statistics are pretty good and maybe someday warrant you going into the Hall of Fame. >> Speaking of Hall of Fame, are you going to be one of the guys who keep coming back every year? >> Yes, I am. I uh I'll probably come back here obviously and depending on the location of it, but I do go back to the Hall of Fame at Coopertown every year. I went back this year for Ishiro and Sebathy and the guys that got in, Billy Wagner. So, uh it was a thrill. It was great. A little more relaxing this year than it was last year, but had a great time. And finally, we're at Lecom Park. What do you talk about this park and what does it mean to be here celebrating? >> Well, it's great because uh you know, I started my managerial career right here at this ballpark, but it was a lot different then. Uh it wasn't the best ballpark in the in the in the in the spring training site. Uh back then, it wasn't really a very good ballpark and now it's absolutely gorgeous. So, >> absolutely. Congratulations. Really appreciate you, Jim. Thank you. God bless you. Thank you.