1st time baseball hof trip question ?

[hawaiian bam bam]

Hello I am possibly going to try to make it to Cooperstown this year for my first hof induction weekend because mike piazza and griffey he were my favorite players growing up. For those that have been before any tips to make this a Great trip? Also what airport would I fly into to get to Cooperstown? Any hotel recommendations? places to eat or must see and do things? Any good card shops ? What about places to get hof autographs such as any shows or signings there? And also I read that the hotels in Cooperstown are already booked up this early in advance any truth to that? thanks

[Leon]

I moved this from the water cooler section to get a few more views. Thanks for being careful and good luck..

[hawaiian bam bam]

thank you very much, i appreciate your help.

[ejharrington]

Go to the wax museum next to the HOF; it is well worth it.

[TCMA]

Originally Posted by hawaiian bam bam

Hello I am possibly going to try to make it to Cooperstown this year for my first hof induction weekend because mike piazza and griffey he were my favorite players growing up. For those that have been before any tips to make this a Great trip? Also what airport would I fly into to get to Cooperstown? Any hotel recommendations? places to eat or must see and do things? Any good card shops ? What about places to get hof autographs such as any shows or signings there? And also I read that the hotels in Cooperstown are already booked up this early in advance any truth to that? thanks

Book whatever hotel accommodations you can as far in advance as possible. I wouldn't be surprised if everything within an hour drive is sold out already. Also, make it a Thur - Mon trip if you can swing it. Lots to see and do.

[mybuddyinc]

Not baseball, but, if you're a beer fan (like a few of us on this board ) check out Ommegang Brewing. The best Belgium beer made in US.

[pokerplyr80]

What date is the ceremony? I've never been and Griffey was my favorite player as a kid. What a great time for your first HOF trip. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun.

[bwbc917]

There are loads of very good bed and breakfasts in town and out in the surrounding area. Go online to some of the B&B spots to search. Also maybe try VRBO.com That's for vacation rentals and I've had luck with them, although never tried the Cooperstown region. Have Fun!!

[rkrolewicz]

Bam bam, induction weekend is fantastic. I went in 2007. It is very well organized. The induction itself is in a large field, think several soccer fields. So you will be in the sun, unless it is a cloudy day, or have VIP seats, so be prepared. You can bring lawn chairs, "beach umbrella", coolers, picnic lunch, etc. It is a very family friendly event. By car Albany, Syracuse are less than 2 hours, buffalo and NYC are less than 4. Lodging is extremely difficult for induction weekend. We live in Buffalo and stayed in Utica which is less than an hour away. We drove forth and back from Utica to cooperstown on both days. It was still worth it. Check out the Hall's webpage' it has lots of info. There are also tour companies which might make the whole experience easier and enjoyable, especially since you are coming from far away. Send me a private message if you want to hear more. Go for it!

[Joshchisox08]

Originally Posted by mybuddyinc

Not baseball, but, if you're a beer fan (like a few of us on this board ) check out Ommegang Brewing. The best Belgium beer made in US.

As Scott said Ommegang is just a few miles away from Cooperstown. Lots of Belgian beer. Cooperstown Brewery is actually NOT located in Cooperstown but is close by. They've changed ownership for about the 3rd time and went back to the original recipes which are quite good. Council Rock is the place to go for beer though!!!

Cooperstown diner is the best place for food hands down. It's extremely small, cheap, and has the best food. Back Alley Grille is decent and the draft selection is pretty good. Double Day Cafe is just an average restaurant. Sal's Pizza is pretty good. NY Pizzeria has pretty damn good grinders. Avoid the Chinese restaurant it's got a cool name "Foo Kin" but that's all.

All the vintage shops are long gone. It's a lot of touristy BS now. Ommegang has their owns store on main street where the hall is. The hall overall is pretty damn cheap and AMAZING. Last time I went they didn't have the pre-war cards on display but the other 7 or 8 times I've been they did. Yaz's has the only pre-war cards you'll find. There's an older guy name Dave who only works during the week. You can barter with him as he will take less than the marked price. I got my Cobb strip card off of him and a Harry Hooper strip card as well. Really nice guy.

Anything else let me know. I could have wrote a lot more. I LOVE COOPERSTOWN and have been there about 10 times or so, so I know it quite well.

Cheers,

Josh

[Jantz]

My advice would be to check online and see if the bed & breakfast has any openings.

Sometimes baseball players stay there during induction weekend, but you didn't hear that from me.

Here is the website for it.

rosenthistle.com

I really enjoyed my stay with them and the meals were incredible.

You'll have no problems finding any baseball/card shops.

Kawika/David's link was from my first trip to Cooperstown.

I didn't want to come home. Seriously. My vacation became a job hunt. I even talked to the HOF to see if they had any openings.

[icollectDCsports]

I haven't been to Cooperstown in nearly 20 years. Went in early June when the weather was nice but the HOF wasn't too crowded. Plenty of time and space to enjoy everything. I'd imagine an induction weekend could be a lot of fun, but could also have some downside with the crowds. If you're coming from such a long distance, decide what would be most important for you -- the excitement of induction weekend or time to soak it all in without the crowds (and trouble finding lodging).

[rkrolewicz]

Rose and Thisle is fantastic but when I was there in 2010 I was told that a former player, now announcer from NYC stays there every year for induction weekend, so there is no room at the inn.

[jsq]

to round out your trip -

if you get some time also go to the saratoga springs and especially the horse race track. it is a neat town and the track is quite historic.

you will have fun at the hall of fame but the crowds may cause you some grief during the time frame you are attending.

all the best,
jsq

[JTysver]

Originally Posted by jsq

to round out your trip -

if you get some time also go to the saratoga springs and especially the horse race track. it is a neat town and the track is quite historic.

you will have fun at the hall of fame but the crowds may cause you some grief during the time frame you are attending.

all the best,
jsq

FYI, The Horse Track doesn't open until August as it is a one month season, not sure if it is open any in July. Not sure if it will be open that weekend or not.

[JTysver]

I might suggest going to the Hall of Fame Library. You can order really nice prints of pretty much anyone or anything. You can also look at anything, but you can't check it out.

[RTK]

Noticed the OBC link. I like their philosophy, "OBC is dedicated to the innocence of our youth when collecting was a hobby"

[bdk1976]

Was there in 94 during induction week - ended up not going to the actual induction ceremony (Phil Rizzuto?!) though. Flew into Albany and it was our "base" during the trip. Drove to Cooperstown two of the days there. Drove to Boston (via Springfield and basketball HOF) for a game at Fenway one day. Saratoga springs for horse racing and its HOF on another day. Lots of driving (and tolls!) but a great trip and saw a lot!


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