Going To Cooperstown

Tipem · June 5, 2004 8:59AM

My son is part of a baseball travel team that is going to play in an 8 game tournament the 4th of July week.I am helping coach and was looking for some insight from anyone who has been to the games or the Hall of Fame.Having never been before,I was wondering about the highlights of the hall(must see) and anything that might be of interest in Cooperstown.While our team has only been together for a few months,we are not expecting to set the baseball world on fire up there.We would be happy with a couple of wins and anything more will be gravy.This should be a once in a lifetime opportunity for our kids and any information will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Vic

theBobs · June 5, 2004 9:02AM

Never been Tipem, but I am sure you will enjoy... Is this the son you brought to National's lunch last summer? Best of luck!

GoSoxBoSox · June 5, 2004 9:08AM

Have an awesome trip. It's heaven on earth. The last time I was there was about 15 years. My best friend was playing for the Yankees Rookie A team in Oneonta, NY just following the draft. We went to the Hall after a long day and night of drinking and my friend puked on Doubleday Square.

Needless to say there was never a line in front of any exhibit we visited

murcerfan · June 5, 2004 9:27AM

qualitycards · June 5, 2004 9:41AM

I've been to the Hall about a dozen times, and for 2 or 3 years, I donated $ and had a season pass. To see the room w/ all the plaques is breathtaking. The other exhibits aren't too shabby either. Plus Cooperstown is a quaint little village in the Adirondacks, a better spot for the Hall of Fame doesn't exist. I also recommend any that plan a trip, try to go in the off season, you'll own the town. 1 year I took the wife & kids during New Years and we stayed a couple of days, and during an ice storm we were the only ones in the Hall. Sorta like our own private viewing. ...jay

MorrellMan · June 5, 2004 9:53AM

Vic, what a great trip. My wife and I went a few years back in mid summer and it was great - it's not like Disneyland where the crowds are distracting. Doesn't sound like you have the luxury of picking your time, but, unless things have changed radically, the Hall should only be slightly peopled at worst. The town is a delight and the souvenirs really are a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Have a great time.

norty · June 5, 2004 9:58AM

Vic:

Sounds like a great trip. I've been to Cooperstown quite a few times as my in-laws don't live real far from there.

As much as I like the Hall of Fame, I like the town of Cooperstown better. If you are a big memorabilia guy (I'm not particularly), the Hall has just an amazing amount of stuff to look at. Try the interactive exhibits if they are not too crowded.

The town has all kinds of little shops with baseball related items to look at. Go to Doubleday field. Very quaint. Stop in at the Otesaga Hotel and see if you can go out on the back deck and watch the golfers play up the 18th hole at the course on the grounds. The hotel is right on the Lake and it is beautiful. I went there once on the 4th of July and they shot fireworks off right out over the lake. You could sit on the grounds behind the Otseaga and watch them. Cooperstown is just a real neat slice of Americana and I can't think of a better, more "American" kind of town to have a kid's baseball tournament in or to spend the 4th of July in.

CON40 · June 5, 2004 10:11AM

Vic;

I just went to C-Town on Super Bowl weekend... the perfect baseball hamlet! Unfortunately, the Hall is under major renovations and only abouyt 2/3 of the place is open. It's still great, but lots of temporary walkways and displays...

In addition, don't miss the Otesaga Hotel if you can. If any HOFer is on town, lots are in the summer, that's where they'll be staying.

As far as other attractions, check out the HOF web site. It has links to the general area. It's spectacular. Coming from the South, I think you'll be in for a treat with all the colonial revival architecture and homespun charm!

PS: Don't even bother looking for cards... if you find anything, it's way overpriced and generally off-condition. Strictly for the tourists!

murcerfan · June 5, 2004 11:27AM

Virtualizard · June 5, 2004 11:41AM

<< <i>village in the Adirondacks

obviously we need to have some geography lesons.
...........ouiy veh
...you city slickers! >>

Hey, it's close. Can I take a guess? Catskills, maybe?

JEB.

murcerfan · June 5, 2004 11:47AM

mariner · June 5, 2004 11:50AM

My son and I went in the summer of 1999 when Ryan, Brett, Yount and Cepeda were inducted. It was fantastic. One of my faves in the hall was the wing with all the vintage baseball cards.

Virtualizard · June 5, 2004 11:57AM

Don,

I just realized that you are the one who has the #20 set on the Registry for 1960 Topps. I'm right behind you at #22 now. Best of luck with the set.

JEB.

qualitycards · June 5, 2004 12:33PM

<< <i><< village in the Adirondack-you city slickers! >> >>

Actually I did know it was in the Leatherstocking area, but I had no idea what the hell that meant!
And by the way, the "city" I live in has one traffic light

..jay

murcerfan · June 5, 2004 12:46PM

norty · June 5, 2004 12:46PM

Leatherstocking Tales by James Fenimore Cooper. Hence "Coopers"town and hence The Leatherstocking Region of New York.

murcerfan · June 5, 2004 12:47PM

murcerfan · June 5, 2004 12:49PM

Griffins · June 5, 2004 1:28PM

Where's murcerville on that map, Oswego?

mariner · June 5, 2004 1:39PM

JEB.....

Yep, that's me on the 1960 Topps set. I keep an eye on your set because I really enjoy looking at the terrific scans that you put up when you add a card to your set. I have not been too active in this set because I have been focusing more on 1959's, but I plan to add more 1960's soon. Best of luck on your set too.

And to the subject of Cooperstown, if some on this forum have not been there, you are really missing a fantastic experience.

qualitycards · June 5, 2004 1:42PM

<< <i>Ok...........sorry.....Hayseed ! >>

Now thats better!!!! Apology accepted!...jay

murcerfan · June 5, 2004 1:47PM

speeder · June 5, 2004 1:49PM

theres some super whitewater kayaking (rafting, if you must) in that area. call an outfitter in the area. you and your son will have a blast ! if you have the time? lee

murcerfan · June 5, 2004 1:52PM

Griffins · June 5, 2004 2:05PM

<<<.the Surfer Boy will bail out in Schenectady like Smarty Jones at the eighth pole>>>

yup, too far inland for me!

murcerfan · June 5, 2004 2:23PM

MorrellMan · June 5, 2004 10:23PM

...(cough)...(cough)...did somebody call?

Troy · June 6, 2004 12:20PM

Jay,

Now if you guys could only get Main street fixed so it does not feel like you are ridding in a buggy Littlestown is not to far from what Cooperstown is like.

Troy

Tipem · June 9, 2004 10:09AM

Hi all,

Sorry that I took so long to answer.I really appreciate all the input.We are really looking forward to going.12 year old all stars is first,however.We have been practicing 4 hours a day and I am confident we will do well in our district.

theBobs,

Yes,my son,Patrick is playing catcher and pitching.He played shortstop in the league but his talents are needed more at catcher in the all stars as well as Cooperstown.He is looking forward to attending this years national as well. He is particularly looking forward to the Indians game with the king and crew.Hope to see many familiar faces again this year as well a smeet some new ones.

Vic

PS,

Can anyone north of the border give me some insight as to what is cool to do on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls ? We will be staying two days up there after the Cooperstown tournament.Thanks again,

Vic

murcerfan · June 9, 2004 10:23AM

Tipem · June 9, 2004 10:28AM

Ya got one that I can borrow.

Vic

norty · June 9, 2004 11:06AM

With a 12 year old, the Canadian side of the Falls is a tough call. By all means, take the Maid of the Mist. Get as far front as possible. It is one of the great boat rides anywhere. Seeing the Falls from down below is awesome. The Cave of the Winds is also pretty good.

If your wife is along, I suggest spending an afternoon at Niagara On The Lake. It is not too far from Niagara falls Ontario. The 12 year old might be bored but it is a pretty quaint little town with lots of shops and restaurants. They have the Shaw Festival there every summer and the town is generally hopping with theater goers.

If you can ditch the 12 year old and go out with the guys, the Canadian "ballet" is world famous. From Fort Erie Ontario all the way up to Niagara Falls there are strip clubs everywhere. There are casinos on both the US and canadian side as well.

I don't know what your time frames are but Toronto, which is about 90 miles North of Niagara Falls, is a fantastic city with tons and tons of things to do and with your dollar worth 33% more or so. You'd need a tour book to see all the attractions up there.

I really hope you have a great trip. Give us some details when you get back.

Tipem · June 9, 2004 11:17AM

Joe,

Thanks,

No wife,

Can't ditch the 12 year old for the strip

( wouldn't want to anyway

).Thanks for the info.I will keep everyone posted.

Vic

Going To Cooperstown

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