Cooperstown Glimmers

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Due to Shabbos and the important holiday of Shavuos I was not able to attend the Hall of Fame game in Cooperstown, Otsego County, during Memorial Day weekend. So I commissioned my esteemed compatriot, Peter A. Cristo, to take on this plum assignment. As it turns out there were no Jewish ball players participating at the Hall of Fame game.

Here’s the story he filed:

Cooperstown, New York – The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum showed once more what it’s made of. Doubleday Field was the arena for a showdown between recently retired American League and National League players and their Hall of Fame managers and coaches. Leading the charge was Phil Niekro for the American League’s Wizards and Ozzie Smith for the National League’s Knuskies.

The sun shone down on a brilliant day; there was nary a cloud in the sky as a crowd of over 5,300 fans looked on. Young and old reached over gates and obstacles seeking an autograph or handshake from the esteemed and respected players and coaches. Rollie Fingers and Robin Yount were among the notables coaching the players.

Fans waited outside the ornate Otesaga Hotel a few blocks from Doubleday Field hoping to catch a glimpse or autographed ball from the players once more. Among the current players staying at the Otesaga were David Dellucci of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Rick Ankiel of the Washington Nationals and Bengie Molina formerly of the California Angels.

Outfielder Aaron Rowand was awarded the Bob Feller Most Valuable Player honor during the Hall of Fame game. Rowand was responsible for four of the Wizard’s seven runs including a two-run homer which sank the Nationals in the end; the final score of the seven inning game was 7 to 5.

Rowand, 37, earned $56 million during his career between 2001 and 2011. He played for the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants and eventually cut by the Miami Marlins during a brief and decade-long utilitarian career. Rowand also played on two World Series championship teams.

Many players easily lingered in the lobby of the Otesaga and willingly signed autographs for many more fans. Most players hailed from all corners of the United States and energetically interacted with the crowds of autograph seekers. It was truly a family event for all worshipers of baseball.

Next up for baseball enthusiasts will be the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, the last weekend in July when Craig Biggio, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz will be formally inducted on Sunday, July 26. The prestigious Ford Frick Award will be presented to 80-year old sportscaster Dick Enberg and the J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner will go to sportswriter Tom Gage, beat writer for The Detroit News.