An Inside Look At Baseball Hall Of Fame Induction Weekend
We dive into all the ins and outs of the annual ceremony in Cooperstown and how best to enjoy the town during the summer months.
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Pregame Pepper
. . . I wanted to use this space to pay tribute to John Odell, a longtime curator at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum who passed away last week. John was an institution at the Hall of Fame who had worked there since 1999, and he was the lead curator for the first major renovation of the Hall of Fame’s Women in Baseball exhibit between 2004 and 2006, during which it was renamed “Diamond Dreams. I had the pleasure of speaking with John on multiple occasions and interviewing him for an article I wrote for MLB.com last year on the history of this exhibit. His kindness and enthusiasm for the Hall of Fame were infectious, and he will be greatly missed. Enjoy a video below of him discussing the Diamond Dreams exhibit several years ago.
Leading Off
My Baseball Hall Of Fame Induction Weekend Notebook
By Elizabeth Muratore
Out of all the marquee events on the yearly baseball calendar, one always sticks out to me: Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend. Every year on a hot Sunday afternoon in late July, a small town in upstate New York is the center of the baseball universe as legends of the game gather to welcome a new class into their hallowed ranks.
I have special ties to Induction Weekend that stretch back to my college days. As a Hall of Fame intern in 2017, I got to see my first Induction up close. I distinctly remember Hank Aaron, attending one of his last Inductions before he passed away in 2021, being introduced and receiving a rousing ovation that went on for several minutes and sent chills down my spine. Hall of Fame Induction Weekend is a place where history truly comes alive, even more than it already does within the walls of the Hall of Fame Museum on a daily basis.
I have now been fortunate enough to attend five Hall of Fame Inductions, and I’ve treasured each one more than the last. There is so much to see and enjoy about Induction Weekend, so I thought I’d put together some quick hits of Induction Weekend memories and suggestions for those who make the trek to Cooperstown.
Best Induction Speech I’ve Heard In Person
Hands down, Ted Simmons in 2021. If you haven’t seen it, go back and watch when you have the chance. I’ve always felt that the players who don’t spend years expecting to get into the Hall of Fame deliver the most authentic and memorable speeches, and his was no exception.
Tips For Getting The Most Out Of The Induction Ceremony
If you’re a member and have paid for a reserved seat, there’s free water and programs available in every section, so no need to purchase your own. If you’re going to sit on the lawn and watch for free, make sure you get there early to set up your chair/blanket in your ideal spot. Thankfully, it’s usually hot and sunny on Induction Sunday, so hydrating, wearing a hat, and wearing plenty of sunscreen are essential to ensuring that you enjoy yourself as much as possible.
Cooperstown tends to clear out shortly after the Induction Ceremony, so that Sunday evening is a great time to head back into town, get dinner at a spot that might have been crowded on Saturday evening, and head back to the museum for a quieter look around and, if you time it right, a look at the installation of the new inductee plaques.
My Favorite Exhibits In The HOF Museum
I’ve always been partial to the One For The Books exhibit on the third floor of the museum, which features interactive elements and a display for every baseball record you could possibly think of. The Hank Aaron exhibit that directly precedes this one is also a must-see. Don’t miss the movie on the second floor either. Finally, you can’t visit the Hall of Fame without taking a deep dive into the plaque gallery, where all 342 members of the Hall have a plaque celebrating their accomplishments.
Induction Weekend Events (Besides The Ceremony) To Circle
The Parade of Legends, which happens along Main Street at 6 p.m. on the Saturday of Induction Weekend, is a thrilling way to see dozens of Hall of Famers up close as they ride on the backs of trucks in front of thousands of adoring fans. Where else can you see Juan Marichal, George Brett, Johnny Bench, and Ken Griffey Jr. wave from 20 feet away?
Also on Saturday the day before the Induction Ceremony, you can view a live stream of that year’s Awards Presentation at Doubleday Field. The event itself is private and held in a nearby indoor theater, but if you have strong personal ties to the broadcaster or baseball writer being honored, this is a great way to watch them being honored in real time.
There’s also the Legends of the Game roundtable event on the Monday after Induction, in which the new inductees sit down with a moderator for a casual conversation. If you don’t need to rush out of town and you were sitting further from the stage than you would have liked during Sunday’s ceremony, this event is a great way to hear from the newest inductees up close.
Can’t-Miss Cooperstown Food Spots
If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying breakfast, Stagecoach Coffee and Schneider’s Bakery are longtime institutions that offer pastries, beverages, and treats galore. Plus, pop in over Induction Weekend and you just might see a baseball legend -- I’ve run into Hall of Famers at both locations. If you want to unwind after a busy day, Cooley’s Tavern is a local favorite that will satisfy your cravings for bar food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere.
For a nicer dinner, try Mel’s. If you want a delicious sandwich to refuel you during the day, Danny’s Main Street Market will have you covered. If you’re willing to drive a few minutes, Red Shed Brewery offers food and drinks in a lovely outdoor setting. And of course, there’s always Brewery Ommegang, which offers a plethora of locally brewed drinks and craveable entrees. Careful about trying Ommegang over Induction Weekend though, because it is often closed for private events.
Other Things To Know About Cooperstown
There’s a lot to do besides going to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Enjoy ice cream or a picnic at the picturesque Lakefront Park, which is adjacent to boat tours of the gorgeous Lake Otsego. You can also stroll over to Doubleday Field, where you can take in the sights of an old-fashioned ballpark and just might see a local game going on.
If it rains or you want to enjoy a non-baseball indoor activity, check out the Farmer’s Museum or the Fenimore Art Museum, which are located just up the road from Main Street. But don’t forget about Hyde Hall, a grand neoclassical mansion along the lake that’s absolutely worth a tour. If you want to add some live theater to your trip, the Glimmerglass Opera House features high-quality stage performances throughout the summer.
The town itself is very walkable, evidenced by the fact that there’s a single stoplight within the village confines, but to get anywhere outside of Cooperstown itself, you’ll definitely need a car.
Elizabeth Muratore is one of the editors of the Here’s the Pitch newsletter. She also works as a homepage editor for MLB and co-hosts a Mets podcast called Cohen’s Corner. Elizabeth is a lifelong Mets fan who thinks that Keith Hernandez should be in the Hall of Fame. You can follow her on Twitter @nymfan97.
Excellent essay. New thing for the ol' bucket list.