Joe Mauer teared up telling a story about his grandfather during Hall of Fame speech

Joe Mauer became a first ballot Hall of Famer this year, but he was the last inductee to speak during this year's ceremony in Cooperstown.

Todd Helton, Adrian Beltre, and Jim Leyland all spoke first, but Mauer made it worth the wait for Minnesota Twins fans. We had all waited over twenty years for the moment, what was a few more hours?

When he stepped up to the podium, Mauer delievered exactly the type of speech you'd expect. The Kid from St. Paul has always been soft spoken, and the finest moment of his career was perfect. Mauer's speech was stoic, to the point, and filled with stories that hammered home how humble he was to be on the stage.

One story in particular tugged on the heart string.

Joe Mauer got choked up telling a touching story about his grandfather

The list of people Mauer thanked during his speech was just about as long as his career in Minnesota was. Everybody from his doctors to the Twins' clubhouse attendants, to his former coaches and teammates all got a shout out.

He saved a special moment for his grandfather. Mauer recalled how right up until the end of his life he would stand next to the television and go through every at-bat alongside his grandson. It was a subtle but poignant moment that once again highlighted how human -- and Minnesotan -- Mauer has always been.

"Even at the end of my career, as my grandpa's eyesight was failing, he would stand right next to the TV in a batting stance and go through my every at-bat as if he was swinging alongside me," Mauer said as he started to choke up. "I hope they are both looking down this afternoon with pride, knowing that all of their time and hard work helped me get to this podium."

Wow, someone is cutting onions in here.

Mauer struck a chord with that annecdote, one that he circled back to later in his speech. He spoke about how his son, Chip, who was born after Mauer's playing career was over. In another emotional moment, he noted that he's re-living his childhood love of baseball while teaching Chip the game, something that brought the story about his grandfather full circle in a powerful way.

The entire afternoon was a reminder of how the men up on stage -- this year's class and ones from years prior -- are just boys at heart. They all shared the same unbridled joy for the game and will grow old having that love deepened by experiencing with future generations.

Mauer always made sure his words were measured throughout his career, something his Hall of Fame speech reminded us of in the most special way.