COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – Barry Larkin lost it before he started. Vicki Santo never wavered as she honored her late husband, Ron.

Baseball’s highest honor always leaves a special impression.

Larkin, the former star shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, and Ron Santo, a standout third baseman for the Chicago Cubs and later a beloved broadcaster for the team, were inducted Sunday into the Hall of Fame.

After wiping away tears as his teenage daughter sang the national anthem, Larkin began a litany of thank-yous to the people who helped him, none more important than his mom, Shirley, and father, Robert, seated in the first row.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Larkin was a two-sport star at Moeller High and thought he might become a pro football player after accepting a scholarship to play at Michigan for Bo Schembechler. But that changed.

“(Schembechler) redshirted me my freshman year and told me that he was going to allow me just to play baseball,” Larkin said. “Occasionally I’d call him while I was playing in the big leagues and told him that was the best decision he made as a football coach. He didn’t like that too much.”

Ron Santo didn’t live to experience the dinduction. Plagued by health problems, he died Dec. 3, 2010, at 70. His long battle with diabetes cost him both legs below the knees, but he died of complications from bladder cancer.

Vicki Santo said she cried a lot while practicing her speech.

“It just feels right, a perfect ending to a remarkable journey,” Vicki Santo said. “Ron left an awful hole for many of us today. This is not a sad day. This is a great day. I’m certain that Ronnie is celebrating right now.”

DIAMONDBACKS: Arizona optioned right-hander Bryan Shaw to Triple-A Reno and added pitcher Brad Bergesen to the roster.

PADRES: Outfielder Carlos Quentin agreed to a $27 million, three-year contract that includes a no-trade clause.

• The Padres activated left-handed pitcher Eric Stults from the 15-day disabled list and optioned right-hander Nick Vincent to Triple-A Tucson.

METS: Right-hander Miguel Batista was designated for assignment, possibly clearing a path for top prospect Matt Harvey to make his major league debut Thursday at Arizona.

NATIONALS: Washington optioned left-hander John Lannan to Triple-A Syracuse.