Baseball Hall of Fame Inductions - Question

Sheamaster

I am considering traveling to Cooperstown for the 2007 inductions which I believe Cal Ripken is eligible. I have never been to the HOF. I was hoping some of you might have some answers/suggestions for me.

First of all, do you need tickets to the induction ceremony? If so, how do you get them?
Any suggestions on lodging?
Any other suggestions/insight greatly appreciated. Thanks!

milbroco

Sorry that I really can't help but I do have one suggestion........Bring plenty of sharpies or pens and HOF pictures, baseball cards, 3x5's, etc. for autographs. It's been a very long time since my one and only trip for the ceremonies but I was able to meet Ted Williams, Robin Roberts, and a lot more than I can remember right now.

Have Fun,
Bob

Stone193

Shea

I'm clueless but I would check out their web - hopefully they talk about it there?

Good luck - I wish I wasn't so lazy and had gone when I lived in NY.

mike

baseballfanatic

Cooperstown Inn. Park your car for the week and enjoy everything within walking distance. No TV in any of the rooms (only in the main lobby), but the atmosphere more than makes up for a slight inconvenience. Its probably already booked, but give it a whirl anyways........

slatsme

Should be a great class...Ripken Jr, Gwynn and maybe McGwire, although I would be surprised if he was elected on his 1st year - writers may try to spite him. That said, I do believe he will get in someday.

RedHeart54

I've always heard that induction weekend is just packed. Early hotel reservations is probably the best idea.

RedRomad275

You don't need tickets for the induction ceremony. It's open to all(Standing room only) unless you are a HOF, family or major contributor to the HOF, then you can sit.
Book well in advance as that is the biggest week of the year in that area and places to stay go quickly. If you are flying you fly into Oneonta. I went there for the induction in 99 with Brett, Yount and Cepadea. It was great. We drove down from Watertown, NY. It something I think all baseball fans should do. If not go for induction week then just visit the HOF.

make sure you bring a dozen or so baseballs or bats or whatever as hall of famers are everywhere during induction week.

Red

Southerncards

There's a bunch of memorabilia stores on the same street as the hall. Each one usually has some former player signing at some point. I went there on a non induction weekend an few years ago and Clete Boyer was signing the day before.

ToppsCo1lector

Pete Rose usually signs at the same place right down the street from the HOF, not sure on the name but I've heard it from a bunch of people. I've never been as well.

RickyHendersonSD

Do any of these guys charge for an autograph during induction weekend? I would hope not.

fiveniner

Been there several times and attended 1984 induction of Killebrew,Drysdale,Aparicio,Pee Wee Reese & Rick Farrell.You do not have to pay to attend.As previous replys have noted early reservations are recomended.I recomend Oneonta.There are several nice Motels there and a short drive from Cooperstown.It is a Baseball Heaven!!!!!!!

mj23kg21

I have been to 5 or 6 induction ceremonies. It is important to get your motel rooms early (like right now). The induction ceremony is free. You do not need tickets. It is in a huge field about 3/4 of a mile away from the HOF. It is within walking distance from downtown. I would get to the ceremony at least a couple of hours early. Bring either a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on. The autographs are no longer free unless you catch them at the right time. The players usually sign at a number of spots throughout the weekend for a fee similar to what it cost at a card show. The Tuncliffe Inn (SP?) usually has the vast majority of the players signing at one time or another from Friday - Sunday. Also there is a restaurant right on main street that has a number of players signing as well. On Saturday night they have a party right at the HOF. You can see all of the players as they get shuttled from there motel to the HOF for the party. There are two options to get free autographs - after the party is done and the players are being shuttled back to there motel. This is usually around 11:00 pm or so. There are not as many people around and often times the players will come over and sign. The other option to get free graphs is to hang out by the golf course. There are a couple of tee boxes right by the road and sometimes the players will come over and sign as they are playing golf. For the old-timers out there it is not like it use to be when you could go to the motel where they stay and get free autographs from everyone. Security is tight at the motel and you can't even get in to the parking lot. Hope this helps.