22
BASEBALL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND
Where?
The Clark Sports Center
124 Susquehanna Avenue
Cooperstown, NY
When?
Usually the last weekend in July.
Significance:
Considered sacred ground by many, Cooperstown is one place that you will hear most people say they need to visit before they leave this world. While the National Pastime has taken a drubbing in the media, the annual induction ceremony hearkens back to the days of old where Congress was not investigating the pharmaceutical choices of players. Each event has its own history and gives fans the chance to view baseball legends up close. Those legends include managers, players, umpires, and announcers. Babe Ruth started the tradition as part of the first induction ceremony in 1936, and that tradition continues every July.
Who attends?
Hardcore baseball fans, wannabe pro baseball players, and family members and former teammates of the inductees come together to honor baseball’s finest. For the fans, it is best to keep an autograph book and pen accessible with former players, coaches, and managers milling all about Cooperstown.
How to get there?
Just ninety minutes from Albany, Cooperstown is a short and scenic drive away.
Tickets:
No tickets are necessary as this event is open to the public and free of charge. The ceremony takes place in the large grassy area next to the Clark Sports Center.
Accommodations:
The Inn at Cooperstown
16 Chestnut Street
Cooperstown, NY 13326
Phone: (607) 547-5756
Fax: (607) 547-8779
Toll-Free: 1-800-437-6303
www.innatcooperstown.comNote: This award-winning historic Inn offers clean comfortable lodging just a short walk from the Baseball Hall of Fame. Built as a hotel in 1874, and fully restored in 1985, the Inn is Cooperstow’s only hotel in the distinguished Select Registry of Inns of North America.
Best Western Cobleskill/Cooperstown
Note: A great value option close to the action.
The Otesaga Resort Hotel
60 Lake Street
Cooperstown, NY 13326
Phone: (607) 547-9931
Fax: (607) 547-9675
Toll-Free: 1-800-348-6222
www.otesaga.comNote: A member of the Historic Hotels of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Otesaga is a grand federal style hotel situated on the shores of Lake Otsego. It features a heated outdoor swimming pool, the Leatherstocking Golf Course, a fitness center, tennis courts, an onsite restaurant, and canoe rentals, among other amenities.
On-Site Hospitality and Events: Food is sold onsite, but it can get expensive and the lines are long. Bringing your own food and drink (non-alcoholic) is recommended.
Play Ball With Ozzie Smith and Special Guests:
This annual event raises funds for the Museum’s educational programs. The “Wizard” is joined by other baseball luminaries. Fans are welcomed on the field and receive souvenirs to commemorate the event. This event does have a fee to attend, so be sure to check for pricing. Make sure to ask, as fans booking for two or more participants will usually receive a discount. Phone: (607) 547-0329. Website:
www.baseballhalloffame.orgLegends for Youth Skills Clinic:
Children ages five to twelve can work on their baseball skills with the help of former major league players in historic Doubleday Field. The event is free, but pre-registration is usually required. Phone: (607) 547- 0329.
New York Penn League Game:
Most years the Oneonta Tigers face the Aberdeen Iron Birds on Doubleday Field. The ball game is free and open to the public. Check with the Hall of Fame for specific game information. Toll-Free: 1-888-HALL-OF-FAME.
Travel Packages:
If you are going to travel to this event, I would recommend using a reliable company to work with you on making the necessary arrangements. The suppliers listed in this book have solid references and are by far the most trusted in the business. Below are some of the organizations to try for this Top 100 Must See Sporting Event.
Premiere Corporate Events
14 Penn Plaza, Suite 925
New York, NY 10122
Phone: (212) 695-9480
Fax: (212) 564-8098
Toll-Free: 1-877-621-5243
E-mail: requests@tseworld.com
www.tseworld.comwww.pcevents.com
Premiere Sports Travel
201 Shannon Oaks Circle, Suite 205
Cary, NC 27511
Phone: (919) 481-9511
Fax: (919) 481-1337
Toll-Free: 1-800-924-9993
E-mail: sales@sportstravel.com
www.sportstravel.comDining:
The Doubleday Café
93 Main Street
Cooperstown, NY 13326
Phone: (607) 547-5468
Note: The Doubleday offers burgers, sandwiches, and American cuisine in a great atmosphere at a decent price.
Cooperstown Diner
Note: The Cooperstown Diner is home to the “Jumbo” burger and other great diner selections.
Alex and Ika
Note: It was ranked as one of Frommer’s “Top Ten Restaurants in New York State” in 2006.
Airport:
With limited options for air travel, your best bet is flying into the Albany International Airport. Cooperstown is a one-and-a-half hour drive by car from AIA.
Albany International Airport
Sports Travel Insider’s Edge:
Best place to watch the action:
Being that it is an outdoor event in the summer, lawn chairs and blankets are your best option for comfortable viewing of the ceremony. You probably won’t have a front row seat, so bring binoculars. Water is provided, but a picnic would help pass the time with food and beverages (alcohol is not allowed).
Best way to get up close to the action:
While you cannot get too close to your favorite baseball players during the ceremony, the “Red Carpet Arrivals” event, which takes place the night before the ceremony, provides an opportunity to see them up close and personal. Arrive early to get yourself a good vantage point. Players are dropped off by trolleys and participate in live interviews on the red carpet before heading into a private gala.
Best travel tip:
Free seating in an outdoor event mandates an early arrival to claim your space, and do not forget your sunscreen. The main road leading into Cooperstown is mostly one lane so be prepared for delays all weekend. Also, driving once in town is not recommended as parking is limited in the village. Free shuttles are available from most hotels.
Notable Quote:
“The feeling I’ve had since I got the call is a feeling I suspect will never go away. I’m told it never does. It’s the highest high you can imagine. I wish you all could feel what I feel standing here. This is my last big game. This is my last big at-bat. This is my last time catching the final out. I dreamed of this as a child but I had too much respect for baseball to think this was ever possible.”—RYNE SANDBERG, former Chicago Cubs second baseman, at his Hall of Fame induction
Relevant Websites: