COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. - On stage, the honorees dissolved into joyful tears more than once. In the audience, the 21,000 fans hung on every word.

And in the record books, the Class of 2009 at the Baseball Hall of Fame officially became immortal.

Rickey Henderson, Jim Rice and the late Joe Gordon were enshrined Sunday in Cooperstown at the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Threatening clouds never produced any substantial rain, leaving the crowd -- which featured thousands of Red Sox and A's fans supporting Rice and Henderson -- energized and appreciative of the 51 Hall of Famers on the Clark Sports Center stage.

"This place is magic," said Tony Kubek, who was presented with the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence. "In these difficult times, people can come here and they can smile for a little bit."

After the introduction of the returning Hall of Famers, Judy Gordon -- the daughter of former Yankees and Indians second baseman Joe Gordon -- accepted the bronze Hall of Fame plaque on behalf of her father. Joe Gordon, a nine-time All-Star in 11 big league seasons and a five-time World Series champion, was elected by the Veterans Committee in December.

"Many of you know about Joe 'Flash' Gordon the baseball player," Judy Gordon said. "Today, I'm privileged to talk about Joe Gordon the man. He played the classical violin, was a ventriloquist, a private pilot and a good golfer -- shooting par-72 the week before he died [in 1978].

"He insisted against having a funeral. As such, we consider the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum as his final resting place to be honored forever."

Rice, who was elected to the Hall of Fame in his final appearance on the Baseball Writers' Association of America ballot in January, celebrated a journey that began with his promotion to the Major Leagues almost 35 years ago.

"Outside of those last few at-bats in 1989, when I saw my career average drop below .300, I have no regrets," said Rice, an eight-time All-Star with the Red Sox who finished with 382 home runs, 1,451 RBIs and a .298 average. "Now, finally, I am a Hall of Famer."

Henderson, baseball's all-time steals (1,406) and runs-scored (2,295) king, was named to 10 All-Star Games in a 25-year career that included nine teams. He became the 44th player to earn election to the Hall of Fame in his first year on the BBWAA ballot.

"I love the game of baseball, and that's why it was so hard for me to walk away," Henderson said. "My dream growing up was to play football for the Oakland Raiders, but my mom thought I would get hurt and chose baseball for me. So I guess moms do know best."

Kubek and J.G. Taylor Spink Award-winner Nick Peters -- honored for excellence in baseball writing -- wrapped up the ceremony.

The 2010 Hall of Fame Weekend will be held July 23-26 in Cooperstown, with the Induction Ceremony scheduled for July 25.