About the Hall of Fame and Museum: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

When did the Hall of Fame open and what is the history of the Hall of Fame?

The Hall of Fame elected its first inductees in 1936, and opened its doors in 1939. Learn more about the history of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Why is the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY?

Read our History of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum to learn about the Mills Commission and why, in 1908, they determined that baseball had been invented in Cooperstown, NY.

Was baseball invented in Cooperstown, NY?

We may never know exactly where baseball was invented, and it's possible it was not invented in any one place, but rather evolved in several areas over several years. We do know that some of the earliest forms of organized baseball that we are aware of, took place in settings similar to that of Cooperstown. In that sense, the village serves as a fitting representation of the heritage of the game, and a fitting home to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Where is Cooperstown and how do I get there?

Visit our Plan Your Visit section for detailed maps of Upstate New York and directions to Cooperstown and the Hall of Fame.

What is the Hall of Fame's mission?

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the historical development of the game and its impact on our culture by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting its collections for a global audience, as well as honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to our National Pastime.

Through its mission, the Museum is committed to:

  • Collecting, through donation, baseball artifacts, works of art, literature, photographs, memorabilia and related materials which focus on the history of the game over time, its players, and those elected to the Hall of Fame.

  • Preserving the collections by adhering to professional museum standards with respect to conservation and maintaining a permanent record of holdings through documentation, study, research, cataloging and publication.

  • Exhibiting material in permanent gallery space, organizing on-site changing exhibitions on various themes, with works from the Hall of Fame collections or other sources, working with other individuals or organizations to exhibit loaned material of significance to baseball and providing related research facilities.

  • Interpreting artifacts through its exhibition and education programs to enhance awareness, understanding and appreciation of the game for a diverse audience.

  • Honoring, by enshrinement, those individuals who had exceptional careers, and recognizing others for their significant achievements.

What is the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum's relationship with Major League Baseball?

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is independent of Major League Baseball, however it does maintain an excellent relationship with MLB.

Who are the officers and members of the Hall of Fame's Board of Directors?

Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman: Jane Forbes Clark is Chairman of the Board of Directors of The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. A member of the Board since 1992 and Chairman since 2000, she provides substantial museum expertise, philanthropic insight and management skill in this leadership position. Clark is currently Chairman of The Farmers’ Museum and is President of The Clark Foundation, The Scriven Foundation and The Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home (Cooperstown, N.Y.) as well as a Trustee of Bassett Healthcare. She also serves as Vice Chairman of The Jackie Robinson Empire State Freedom Medal Commission, Trustee of The Little League Foundation and is past Vice Chairman and Trustee of The United States Equestrian Team and past Director of The United States Olympic Committee. A recipient of many awards and honors, Jane Clark has been recognized by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation with its Pillar of New York award; the Fire Department of the City of New York with their Humanitarian of the Year award; Harlem R.B.I.; the Baseball Assistance Team; and is a member of the Boys’ Club of New York All Sports Hall of Fame. The Clark family has been a devoted steward of the Baseball Hall of Fame since Stephen C. Clark founded the Museum in 1936.

Joe L. Morgan, Vice Chairman: A director since 1994, Joe Morgan was elected vice chairman in 2000. A member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame's class of 1990, he was a mainstay of the championship Cincinnati Reds teams during the 1970s. An accomplished business executive and Emmy Award winning sportscaster for ESPN, Morgan serves on the governing boards of a number of charitable and civic organizations, such as the Baseball Assistance Team, and has authored several books on baseball. Morgan also serves the Hall of Fame as a member of the Board's Executive and Nominating committees.

Kevin S. Moore, Treasurer: Elected director and treasurer in 1992, Kevin Moore is president of The Clark Estates Inc., a financial and business management company. Prior to joining The Clark Estates, he was president, chief executive officer and director of Jet Capital Corporation. Moore serves as a director on the governing boards of several business organizations and many charitable organizations. Moore is chairman of the Board's Finance and Pension committees, and is a member of the Executive Committee.

Paul Beeston: Elected to the Board in 1998 and a member of its Executive Committee, Paul Beeston served as president and chief operating officer of Major League Baseball from July 1997 to March 2002. He reported directly to the commissioner and was responsible for all phases of Baseball's central offices. An accomplished Toronto Blue Jays executive, he has served in many capacities, most notably as president and chief executive officer for nine years.

William O. DeWitt Jr.: A director since 1998, Bill DeWitt is chairman of the board and general partner of the St. Louis Cardinals. He is also president of RD Investment Group, a Cincinnati-based investment firm. DeWitt, whose father was a career baseball executive and club owner with the St. Louis Browns, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox, has also been a minority owner of the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles and the Reds. He serves on the boards of a number of privately held companies and has worked in a number of civic and charitable organizations. DeWitt is a member of the board's Nominating and Development committees.

William L. Gladstone: Elected a director in 1991, Bill Gladstone was chairman of Arthur Young & Company and the retired co-chief of its successor, Ernst and Young. He serves as chairman of the Board's Development Committee and is a member of the Board's Finance Committee. Gladstone is principal owner and president of Tri-City ValleyCats, Inc., which operates a Class A Minor League team affiliated with the Houston Astros in the New York-Penn League.

David D. Glass: David Glass was elected to the Board of Directors in 2000 and serves as a member of its Pension Committee. He was appointed interim chairman and chief executive officer of the Kansas City Royals upon the death of Ewing Kauffman, and in April 2000, his family acquired the Royals organization, where he continues to serve in the same capacity. Glass is also a member of the Executive Council for Major League Baseball. He spent 25 years with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., serving as president and chief executive officer for 12 years, and is credited with leading the company through a period of unprecedented growth and international expansion with annual revenues reaching $165 billion. He and his family support several charitable interests.
Leland S. MacPhail: Elected a director in 1974, Lee MacPhail was also elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998. A front office executive for 45 years, he gained widespread respect and admiration for his work with the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, and for his years as President of the American League. MacPhail is a member of the Board's Development Committee.

Robin E. Roberts: First elected a director in 1991, Robin Roberts was the ace of the Philadelphia Phillies pitching staff for much of his 19-year career, including for the 1950 Whiz Kids, culminating in his election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976. A leader on and off the field, Roberts was one of the first players to address Baseball's labor issues.

Brooks C. Robinson Jr.: A director since 1995 and a member of the Pension Committee, Brooks Robinson played 23 seasons for the Baltimore Orioles, setting a number of major league records that still stand today. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983. Widely respected inside and outside of Baseball, Robinson serves as president of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni.

Frank Robinson: A director since 1998, Frank Robinson, the only player to win MVP awards in both leagues, was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. His leadership skills helped him become the major league's first African-American field manager in 1975 with the Cleveland Indians. He served as Major League Baseball's vice president of on-field operations before becoming the Montreal Expos' manager prior to the 2002 season.

Tim Russert: Elected to the Board of Directors in 2003, Tim Russert is the managing editor and moderator of Meet the Press, and political analyst for NBC’s Nightly News and the Today program. Russert also serves as senior vice president and Washington bureau chief for NBC News. Russert has received 29 honorary doctorate degrees from American colleges and universities, and has lectured at the John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Libraries. In 2001, Washingtonian magazine named Tim Russert the best and most influential journalist in Washington, D.C.

G. Thomas Seaver: Elected to the Board of Directors in 1995, Tom Seaver's incredible career with the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox earned him the highest percentage of votes in Hall of Fame balloting history. A 1992 Hall of Fame electee, Seaver is one of the finest pitchers of his generation and is now an accomplished Baseball television analyst. He also serves on the Board's Finance Committee.

Allan H. (Bud) Selig: First elected to the Board of Directors in 1976, Bud Selig has served as the commissioner of Baseball since July 9, 1998. Prior to his election as Commissioner, Selig served as chairman of the Executive Council of Major League Baseball for six years. He was the principal owner of the Milwaukee Brewers prior to becoming commissioner.

Edward W. Stack: Elected to the board of directors in 1977, Ed Stack served as Chairman of the Board from 1977-2000, a period of significant growth for the organization. His involvement with the Baseball Hall of Fame as an officer dates to 1961. He is on the Board's Executive and Finance committees. Stack is a highly respected business leader and is widely recognized for his tireless efforts on behalf of many charitable, social and educational institutions.

George M. Steinbrenner III: George Steinbrenner was elected to the Board of Directors in 1998. As principal owner of the New York Yankees since 1973, he has guided his team to become Baseball's most successful franchise. One of the sports world's most generous individuals, his New York Yankees Foundation embraces a wide range of charitable causes.

In what ways does the Hall of Fame and Museum need my help?

Because the Hall of Fame is a 403c not-for-profit educational institution, we need your help to provide programs to teach children and adults using baseball as a theme. In addition, the Museum is governed by the laws of the State of New York and has not, nor ever will, pay for an artifact. Therefore, we rely on the baseball fans like yourself to donate the items that are on display in the Museum. Joining the Hall of Fame Membership program helps the Hall of Fame preserve the artifacts and educate the public. In addition, tax-deductible charitable gifts are accepted to help the Hall of Fame fulfill its' mission.

I am a media member, where can I get more information about the Hall of Fame?

Visit the Digital Newsroom for Hall of Fame Public Relations contact information.

What do the Hall of Famers say about the Hall of Fame?

"If you don't feel an aura that's almost spiritual when you walk through the Hall of Fame, then check tomorrow's obituary: you're in it." — Don Sutton, 1998

"This is the greatest thing that ever happened to me in my lifetime. I have been fortunate enough to win World Championships, [coach] Cy Young award winners, MVPs, nine Rookies of the Year, All-Star Games. But they come and go. But the Hall of Fame is eternity. I feel that it won't be too long [before] my mother will be shaking me and saying 'Wake up, Tommy. It's time to go to school.' I am living a dream." — Tommy Lasorda, 1997

"For me it's the last beautiful flower in the perfect bouquet because the twenty years that I had as a professional athlete playing for those four wonderful teams and the twenty year period before my professional career began all came together for me in [my] induction in the Hall of Fame." — Tom Seaver, 1992

"One of my first thoughts of being told of my election into the Hall of Fame was the natural awe of being recognized along side Cobb, Ruth, Gehrig, and Jackie Robinson. But the Hall of Fame is more. It's all the kids who ever played the game. It's all the fans who ever bought a ticket. It's the first time you took your son or daughter to a ball game. It's Satchel Paige and Roberto Clemente. It's a Say Hey Kid, it's the Duke, the Hammer, Cool Papa, the Mick, Big Train, Pee Wee, Joe D., Teddy Ballgame and many more." — Rod Carew, 1991

"A lot of people question old times. They question what has gone before. They question past generations. And that's their privilege. But without the memories of the past, there could be no dreams of greatness in the future; without those passing yesterdays, there could be no bright tomorrows." — Ford Frick, 1970