The Baseball Hall of Fame

Ok, we're once again back in catch up mode, We're a little behind due to some non-satelite campgrounds so lets get started with a real cool stop - the Baseball Hall of Fame.

We arrived at the Beaver Valley Campground near Cooperstown, NY, on the 18th of September. Of course the main goal is to see the Hall, but we were pleased to stay at a real nice CG. We weren't able to et out with a signal, but the park made up for it with beauty and tranquility. Full hook-ups, friendly ownership, the quietness of an off season stay, and the nearness to Cooperstown make this a superior Camp choice.

We awoke on the 19th ready to go see the Hall and found a beutiful sty for a stroll and sight seeing. This picture is of the pond at the CG, sort of set the mood for the day.

Making the short drive through the surrounding farm land was a pleasant change from the highways and added the enjoyment of this particularly scenic part of NY state. The campground sits about 6 miles from the Hall and so it was a fairly short drive. This is a very nice area with a whole lot of other reasons to visit besides the baseball, I wouldn't mind being here again in the future.

Once in town we parked in the Community Center parking lot which is free. During the high season I can see where you might have to use the numerous pay lots in the vicinity, fortunately we're here in the off season. In this parking lot is the famous Double Day Ball Field, here's a picture of it.

On our way to the main street we passed this statue of "The Sandlot Kid." Sets the stage for where the heart of baseball resides. This theme will be repeated throughout the Hall.

Before going into the Hall, we figured that we ought to forify ourselves with a hearty breakfast. On the CG owners suggestion, we tried the Double Day Cafe. A great choice and I echoe the recommendation. A great breakfast at a reasonable price, we would later enjoy dinner here as well we were so pleased. Fun place.

After a good breakfast and a good time we headed for the Hall of Fame. Here Christa and I pause to create a reminder of the visit.

As you enter the Hall, you get the fealing that the place is probably going to be a small place, this is misleading and the Hall unfolds like the proverbial Ahab's Tent. The cost is reasonable and I was pleased that the fee is waived for active and retired military persons. Even better.


One of the first exhibits is a room that shows some figurines and statues. I couldn't resist this shot of one of my game heroes - Nolan Ryan. Thes figurines are remarkable in their detail.

Turning down the first floor main hall (there are 3 floors), off to the side is a painting honoring this year's inductees, Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. I really liked seeing Gwynn as I was able to follow his career closely while I was stationed in San Diego through the 80's and 90's.

Turning down the main hall, we are introduced those who made the Hall possible, they did a great job on this place.

As you turn into the actual Hall of Fame, the first plaque to encounter is dedicated to those players who served in the our nations military service. I found this to be a super touch. Sadly, I was also able to note that there apparently have not been any others to serve since the Korean War. Still, a nice tribute.

In the Hall of Fame are all of the inductee plaques, of which there are many. Here is a shot of the first inductees from the year 1936.

Here, Christa and Mom check out some of the many pieces of memorabilia. This place has so much stuff that to show it all here would be to use up all my allocated space. Again, if you're a fan, you have to come and check it out.

One of the things that I am always forgetting is who is featured on the most cherished and sought after baseball card. The man is Honus Wagner and the card was issued in 1909 by a tobacco company without his permission. Maybe I will remember now.

One of the things I found to be really cool, was they had a place where they had some of the more famous fans on display.

All in all, we spent about 4 hours in the Hall, and could have spent more except my dogs were killing me, and Lucy probable appreciated us getting back to let her out of the rig. This was a fantastic exhibit that I can't recommend enough.

Our next stop is Niagara Falls, that should be a fun stop as well.