Anyone going to the HOF Induction in Cooperstown this year?

scmavl

I decided that if my wife got a royalty check this month, I'd treat myself to a trip to the Induction, my first. Well she did so I'm gonna go. I have two questions for those who have been/are going:

-How is the meet/greet/autograph with HOFers (new and old) set up? Do you pay a flat free for everyone? Do some players sign for free?

-Any recommendations on lodging? I'm sure I've waited kind of late but I can figure out something.

Replies here or PMs are welcome (especially if you're going and need to share a room).

bigdogparty

This year will be my third trip there. All HOFer charge for autos. TThey have a company that handles most of the autograph sessions but a lot of the stores on main street also do public signings. There are usually a number of non HOFers that show up and will usually sign for free. In the past, I have gotten a number of former cardinals like Jack Clark, Glenn Brummer and Bernard Gilkey on the street. As for lodging, since Cooperstown is in the middle of nowhere, we just pick a town nearby and get a room. We usually go on the slightly budget side of a hotel since we hardly spend any time there. There are some B and B in town but they are usually sold out well in advance and the only hotel is used for the HOFers and team personnel. The trip is a blast and you will have a sensory overload your first time there....but that's a good thing

72skywalker

We were in upstate NY a few weeks ago just for an overnight trip with the kids. We were 45 minutes east/south in CobleSkill NY and went to Howe Caverns. it is pretty cool to go down 100 ft underground to walk through these huge caverns. Take the latern tour and halfway throught he tour they shut off all the artificial lights that they have and give you lanterns to find your way back. It was pretty cool.

totallyradd

I went when Molitor and Eckersley were inducted and it was a blast. We camped at a site for 15-20 bucks a night about 10-15 minutes outside of Cooperstown. If I remember right there's two bars that are right across the street from each other. Those bars caused us to miss the HOF parade down the main street.

As said, all HOFers sign for a fee. Lots of really cool memorabilia shops. There was a church that had a pretty good all you can eat pancake breakfast for pretty cheap that we went to, and there were a lot of street vendors selling hot dogs, burgers, etc.

On the day of the induction BRING SUNSCREEN. I sat cross legged in the grass and my legs got scorched. Have fun, you'll love it!

BaltimoreYankee

I would love to go when Mariano Rivera gets inducted. As an aside, I would highly recommend going in the winter when the crowds aren't there. I went there twice during the winter. Very few crowds. You can really soak up the memorabilia at a super relaxed pace.

thekid8

If you are not into autographs go to the hall of fame first ~~ get a membership if you don't have one -- it costs $50.00 and you get free admission (which you can use after the ceremony) + you will get a % off whatever you buy. But the biggest reason to get a membership is that you can get into the building anytime and that is a bonus when looking for a bathroom -- last time I was there was when Ripken and Gwynn were inducted and it was packed everywhere -- they do have port-o-johns but those line were huge -- flashed my membership card -- went to the bathroom left -- repeated a few times.


We stayed in Oneonta before -- which was 45 minutes away but you can park in specific lots outside of main street and take the Trolley into town -- nice ride. Where ever you plan to stay you need to book it now!!!


There are free buses to the Clark Center but if you have the time the walk is very nice and could be quicker on the way back. Bring a chair if you can plus plenty of sunscreen / water and have a blast
Mike

DanBessette

Never been to induction but we're going to the Classic game later this month, and the private reception after. I'm a little bummed that they said no autographs at the reception, but I'm still hoping to get some at the game or elsewhere in town. Went to the first Classic 5 or 6 years ago and was able to get autos of Bobby Grich, Kevin Maas and a couple others at the ballpark and Fergie Jenkins for $20 in a shop across the street after the game. Fun times.

stevebay

Went to Cooperstown in '09 for Rickey. First thing I noticed when I landed at the Albany Airport (which is the major airport that most players will fly through), was a bunch of sports fans lined up at the airport with tables in place, hoping to get free autos from players. The day I left, I saw a similar setup, and decided to stick around for 1 hour or so before my flight, and got free autos from Harmon Killebrew, Paul Molitor, and Goose Goosage.




Rickey was there, but just waved at us. Check out the video I took:

Rickey at Airport

Other places to get free autos are at the various events throughout the weekend. There are clinics, talks, etc, with the players participating. I stuck around at the end of one of these events and got Harold Reynolds. Ryne Sandberg was also signing for free, but he was clamored, and wasn't too happy with all the anxious fans. Also, I saw some people hang out at the Golf Course or outside the Otesaga Hotel to get free autos when the players stopped by.

On the street, players are there signing auto's. I tried to take a photo of Frank Robinson and he wagged his finger at me, and said photos would be $5.
I did pay the $5, shook his had, and told him to come back and coach the Giants (he chuckled).

Pete Rose is also there (he was sitting next to Mike Schmidt) in one of the card shop signings, but he wasn't getting much action.

Awesome experience overall. Couldn't find a decent hotel, so I stayed in Albany and made the 45 minute commute all weekend.

BunchOBull

The wife and I will be there. My two childhood favorites, and 3 from my favorite team being inducted... had to go.

BLUEJAYWAY

It's only an hour ride for us 1 way. Never attended the ceremony, but been to the HOF bldg. quite a few times. Attended 1 HOF game in the early 60's. Best to go offseason to enjoy at a relaxed pace. I believe the HOF membership or at least admission to the Hall offers a discount w/a AAA auto club membership. Did for us 4 years ago. Might save you 10-15%. Thought about the Memorial Day wkend game, still on the fence. You can find some cheaper rooms in the Capital District area-Albany/Schenectady/Troy if you care to commute. Be wary of the shops prices. Most overpriced mdse. especially those weekends with events. I know, a dealer/friend ran a shop there for a # of years. Have fun, the actual Hall is impressive. I'm surprised more players don't visit there at least once whether they are HOF bound or not.

EchoCanyon

I went in 1999 for Inductions (Brett, Yount, Ryan and others). This is my HOF ticket, a true 1 of 1.

parkerj

I live an hour away outside of syracuse. I have been several times. Never been to induction ceremony, but enjoy going on Saturday. I enjoy the busy crowds, and seeing hall of famers everywhere on the streets, but have never gotten or seen an opportunity for free autos. their is a busy schedule of signings at specific times, you pay, and then wait in line. but if you plan it you can minimize your wait times. I have gotten about 10-15 autos for my hof rookie card auto collection. Yogi is usually there, he is probably the oldest. Cepeda is getting on and his sig is nearly illegible. Have yet to see Brett, Ryan or Ripken present.

epislash

I'm just outside syracuse too and have been a few times but the only induction I went to was Jim palmers. I just also happen to meet Ty Cobbs son walking down the street. Pretty cool