In his own words

Highlights from Derek Jeter’s speech upon his induction to the Hall of Fame on Wednesday afternoon.

“Thank you to the baseball writers — all but one of you — who voted for me.”

“I had one goal during my career and that was to win more than everyone else. And we did.”

To his parents

“Both of you convinced me I could achieve absolutely anything if I set my mind to it and if it meant more to me than anyone else. You taught me to prove people wrong. To this day, I remember every time I was doubted. I’ve made and I still make a mental note. I was and I’m going to prove doubters wrong. It’s what drove me and still drives me today.”

To the fans

“There was only one thing in my life I wanted to be: the shortstop for the New York Yankees. Now I’m a Yankee forever.

“Without question, you helped me get here today as much as any individual I mentioned. You can’t be fooled. You’re passionate, loyal, knowledgeable, vocal, challenging and supporting. There’s a huge responsibility that comes with wearing a Yankee uniform. Just because you have it on doesn’t guarantee you anything. You have to earn it. You demanded I earn it. Every single day, whether it was during the season or the offseason, I felt as though I was representing you and I was representing all of New York. I did that in the best possible way I knew how. I wanted to prove to you I belonged and you kept pushing me to prove it over and over again.

“I was always most comfortable on the field, especially at Yankee Stadium playing in front of you. I wanted you to be able to count on me. To this day, especially right now in this moment, I still represent you. It’s been one of the greatest honors of my life.”

To players in MLB now

“It’s more than just the game. The greatest to ever play and the Hall of Fame family, they’re all watching. And I personally can’t wait to welcome a few of you onto this very stage, just as I have been by so many others.”