Posted by Mike Petraglia

Jim Rice began today’s press conference by acknowledging a sense of relief. Toward the end of it, he thanked Carl Yastrzemski, the man he felt most responsible to for helping him realize his tremendous potential on the field, which culminated Monday with the announcement that he will be inducted into Hall of Fame this summer with Rickey Henderson. Rice also acknowledged his father and the godfather of his children, Cecil Cooper. All the while, he was remarkably composed for a man who had to wait 15 years, the maximum for a former player, to get into Cooperstown. Let’s hear from the man who started playing high school baseball in South Carolina when he was in SEVENTH grade and realized every kid’s dream of being placed among baseball’s immortals.

Jim Rice on getting word that he had made it into Cooperstown.

Rice was in touch with Red Sox spokesperson Pam Ganley, before finally getting confirmation.

Rice thanks Yaz for making way for the 21-year-old kid in 1975.

Rice acknowledged this was a big relief.

Rice on why the 15-year wait.

Rice going in with Rickey Henderson.