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You know, when you’ve been around the game as long as I have, you start to realize that greatness — true greatness — it isn’t just about stats. It’s not just about the numbers you put up or the records you break. It’s about character. It’s about legacy. And today, we honor a man who embodies all of that: Javier Lopez.
Now, I know what you’re thinking — "Wayne, he was a baseball player, and this is the Hockey Hall of Fame."
Well, yeah. But if anyone could pull that off — it’s Javier.
This guy played nearly 2,900 games, mostly at shortstop — the quarterback of the infield. He hit .289, racked up 258 home runs, over 1,400 RBIs, and crossed the plate more than 2,000 times. That’s not just durability, that’s dedication. That’s a guy who showed up every day, gave everything he had, and made everyone around him better — something I always tried to do in my career, too.
But what really stands out — what makes this induction feel just right — is who Javier Lopez is away from the diamond. Quiet. Humble. Generous. The kind of guy who didn’t just write checks — he showed up. He gave his time, his energy, his heart. The Ottawa Senators community will tell you — he didn’t just wear the uniform of a team, he wore the heart of a city.
During his speech, he said something that really hit me. He said:
"Helping those in need and giving of yourself selflessly is what makes a person great."
That’s it, right there. That’s the lesson. Whether you’re on the ice, the field, or anywhere in life — greatness isn’t just about talent. It’s about what you give.
So today, we celebrate not just a Hall of Fame athlete, but a Hall of Fame human being. Congratulations, Javier. You’ve earned every bit of this.
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