Hall of Fame Weekend: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Hall of Fame Weekend

When is Hall of Fame Weekend and who will be inducted?

The 2008 Induction Ceremony will be held on Sunday, July 27, in Cooperstown. The Baseball Writers Association of America elected Goose Gossage in their balloting for 2008, while the Veterans Committees inducted Barney Dreyfuss, Bowie Kuhn, Walter O'Malley, Billy Southworth and Dick Williams.

How do I find a place to stay during Hall of Fame Weekend?

Accommodations for Hall of Fame Weekend are often scarce, especially within the village of Cooperstown and the immediate surrounding area. Consult the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce for information.

Where is the Induction Ceremony and how do I get tickets?

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is held on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center, located at 124 Susquehanna Avenue in Cooperstown, NY.

What's the best way to get to the Induction site?

From the Hall of Fame, the best method for getting to the Clark Sports Center (the site of the Induction Ceremony) is to walk down Main Street, turn left on Pioneer, and take it to Beaver Street, turning right. Take Beaver Street to Susquehana, turning left and walking over the bridge to the Clark Sports Center. Buses are available from the Hall of Fame to take you to the Induction site as well.

What other events are planned for Hall of Fame Weekend?

In addition to the Induction Ceremony itself, there are several events going on in Cooperstown during Hall of Fame Weekend. Hall of Fame Members can participate in events exclusively for them. Consult the Calendar of Events for details.

I've heard that several baseball personalities and celebrities travel to Cooperstown for Hall of Fame Weekend. What's the best way to meet them or see them?

Many former baseball players and legends descend upon Cooperstown during Hall of Fame Weekend. Consult the Hall of Fame's Calendar of Events for details on events at the Museum. Walk to downtown Cooperstown and stop in the baseball card shops and other stores to find schedules of appearances and autograph sessions by some of basbeall's greatest players. These events located outside the Museum are not affiliated with the Hall of Fame but they can enhance your visit.

I am a Hall of Fame Member. What special benefits does that give me for Hall of Fame Weekend?

Hall of Fame Members enjoy a variety of Hall of Fame Weekend privileges. They can utilize the special Members entrance to the Hall of Fame to avoid long lines; take advantage of exclusive Members-only early access to the Museum on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Hall of Fame Weekend; and have exclusive access to the special Monday morning roundtable discussion with our newest Hall of Famers (at the Clark Sports Center grounds, ticket required). Also, President's Circle members receive two reserved seats for the Induction Ceremony and Benefactor members receive four reserved seats.

In addition, Hall of Fame Members can participate in events exclusively for them during Hall of Fame Weekend. Consult the Hall of Fame's Calendar of Events and look for the events marked with a Members-only icon to find out what's available.

I will be sitting in the general admission section, what is the best way to enjoy the ceremony?

First, be sure to take advantage of the free shuttles that will bring you to the Induction site at the Clark Sports Center. Arrive early and claim your space on the grounds, which can accommodate tens of thousands. Many guests bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit in the grassy area of the Clark Sports Center for the Induction. You may also wish to bring binoculars and your camera. If you are a Hall of Fame Member, bring your membership card so you can take advantage of your 10 percent discount at the on-site Museum Store. Since the ceremony takes place in late July every year, be sure to pack sunscreen and your sunglasses for protection. Water is provided free at the site, but you may wish to pack your own beverages (no alcoholic beverages are allowed) and food. Food and drinks are also sold at the site.

I want to bring my family to Cooperstown for Hall of Fame Induction Weekend. What do I need to know?

A visit to Cooperstown during Hall of Fame Weekend is a special experience and a fantastic trip for any baseball fan or family. Visit our Hall of Fame Weekend section and our Plan Your Visit section for tips on how to maximize the weekend.

What are the dates for future Hall of Fame Weekends, and who will be eligible to be inducted?

To best serve baseball fans and their vacation plans, we have announced the dates several years in advance. The dates for future Hall of Fame Weekends are as follows:

2008: July 25-28, with Induction Ceremonies on Sunday, July 27;
2009: July 24-27, with Induction Ceremonies on Sunday, July 26;
2010: July 23-26, with Induction Ceremonies on Sunday, July 25

Provided that they remain retired, the following is a partial list of former Major League ballplayers who will become eligible for consideration by the BBWAA in upcoming years. Players are eligible after they have been retired from Major League Baseball for five full seasons. For example, those players eligible for consideration in 2009 will have played their final game in 2003. Those players eligible for consideration in 2010 will have last played in 2004. Please note that this is not necessarily a complete listing -- players are not necessarily guaranteed to be on the final BBWAA ballot and players may return to active duty after they have retired or missed time.

Year   *Players eligible for the first time for BBWAA election
2009:   Steve Avery, Jay Bell, Mike Bordick, John Burkett, David Cone, Ron Gant, Mark Grace, Rickey Henderson, Todd Hundley, Orlando Merced, Charles Nagy, Denny Neagle, Jesse Orosco, Dean Palmer, Dan Plesac, Rick Reed, Greg Vaughn, Mo Vaughn, Matt Williams
2010:   Roberto Alomar, Kevin Appier, Andy Ashby, Ellis Burks, Dave Burba, Andres Galarraga, Pat Hentgen, Mike Jackson, Eric Karros, Ray Lankford, Barry Larkin, Edgar Martinez, Fred McGriff, Mark McLemore, Shane Reynolds, David Segui, Robin Ventura, Fernando Vina, Todd Zeile
2011:   Wilson Alvarez, Carlos Baerga, Jeff Bagwell, Bret Boone, Kevin Brown, Cal Eldred, John Franco, Juan Gonzalez, Marquis Grissom, Bobby Higginson, Charles Johnson, Al Leiter, Tino Martinez, Raul Mondesi, Hideo Nomo, Jose Offerman, John Olerud, Rafael Palmeiro, Paul Quantrill, Steve Reed, Kirk Rueter, Rey Sanchez, Benito Santiago, B.J. Surhoff, Ugueth Urbina, Ismael Valdez, Larry Walker, Dan Wilson
2012:   Pedro Astacio, David Bell, Jeromy Burnitz, Vinny Castilla, Scott Erickson, Carl Everett, Jeff Fassero, Alex S. Gonzalez, Danny Graves, Rick Helling, Dustin Hermanson, Jose Hernandez, Brian Jordan, Matt Lawton, Bill Mueller, Terry Mulholland, Jeff Nelson, Phil Nevin, Brad Radke, Joe Randa, Tim Salmon, Ruben Sierra, J.T. Snow, Jose Vizcaino, Bernie Williams, Eric Young
2013:   Sandy Alomar Jr., Craig Biggio, Barry Bonds, Jeff Cirillo, Royce Clayton, Roger Clemens, Jeff Conine, Steve Finley, Julio Franco, Shawn Green, Ryan Klesko, Mike Lieberthal, Kenny Lofton, Jose Mesa, Damian Miller, Eric Milton, Russ Ortiz, Neifi Perez, Mike Piazza, Reggie Sanders, Aaron Sele, Todd Walker, David Wells, Rondell White, Bob Wickman, Woody Williams

How do I contact the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce?

You may contact the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce by calling (607) 547-9983, or writing to:

Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce
31 Chestnut Street
Cooperstown, NY 13326

You may also e-mail the Chamber of Commerce or visit their website.

I can't make it to Cooperstown for Hall of Fame Weekend. Can I watch it on television or online?

The Induction Ceremony has typically been broadcast on one of ESPN's networks (ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPN Classic). Consult a television guide in your area for details. The 2008 ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, July 27.