The Journey to Cooperstown
by Rebecca Herman
July 19, 2019
Thousands of baseball fans and sports media are making their way to Cooperstown, NY for the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend. Those enshrined at Cooperstown and about to be inducted certainly encompass one definition of a Major League Leader. Just thinking about the weekend brings a smile to my face as I remember our journey there last year!
Hall of Fame Museum
A visit to Cooperstown by any baseball fan would not be complete without spending time in the Museum. Induction weekend is busy so plan to get there early in the morning – better yet – become a museum member and get in ahead of the crowds!
Saturday, July 20, 2019, there will be three events.
- Noon – 2:00 PM – Conversations at Doubleday Field
At noon, Brian Kenny will facilitate a conversation with former Spink and Frick Award winners. At 1:00 PM the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation will celebrate baseball’s commitment to the military. Finally, at 2:00 PM Tom Hutyler, the Mariners PA Announcer, will host a celebration of Edgar Martinez.
- 4:30 PM – Awards Presentation at Doubleday Field
The J.G. Taylor Spink Award for baseball writing will be presented to Jayson Stark followed by the presentation of the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasters honoring Al Helfer posthumously.
- 6:00 – 7:00 PM – Hall of Fame Parade of Legends
Always a great time for all fans in attendance, the Hall of Fame members in attendance will ride down Main Street.
Sunday, July 21, 2019, at 1:30 PM – Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
This is the crown jewel of the weekend and shouldn’t be missed. That said, plan ahead to ensure a great time. The baseballhall.org has great guides for parking, access, and all you need to know to be there as history is made once again!
The Class of 2019
This year’s class features two Designated Hitters – Harold Baines and Edgar Martinez; two Starting Pitchers – Mike Mussina and Roy Halladay; and two Relief Pitchers – Lee Smith and Mariano Rivera. Two individuals were elected by the Veterans Committee and the others by the BBWAA. For the first time in history, someone earned a unanimous vote – Mariano Rivera.
The inductees played for 15 teams ranging from 1980-2013 and represent 111 years of baseball playing experience. Roy Halladay is receiving the honor posthumously as he lost his life in 2017 in a plane crash. Halladay is the first person to be elected posthumously by the BBWAA since Roberto Clemente in 1973.
Not surprisingly, this class won many awards and played in numerous All-Star Games. In fact, from 1983 to 2013 they made a combined appearance 46 times in a total of 25 games including 18 games where 2 or more of the inductees were present the same year.
Each honoree has a career record that demonstrates their commitment to excellence.
The Designated Hitters:
The Starting Pitchers:
The Relief Pitchers:
It is sure to be a grand weekend and one we can enjoy in person or from afar. Congratulations to each of the inductees – take in every moment – you earned it!
Major League Leaders 