Hall of Fame Weekend
Plan Your Trip to Cooperstown
To the topBe part of history Hall of Fame Weekend, then discover the true legacy of our great game. Beyond the hallowed Hall is a wide variety of exhibits that tell the story of America through sport in our Museum. For nearly 80 years, fans and families have enjoyed this exceptional collection that honors the best of baseball – reminiscing, learning and making memories that last a lifetime along the way.
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Cooperstown Collection
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Become a Member
To the topMuseum Members play a major role in preserving baseball history and ensure that generations of fans will always have a home to celebrate the history of baseball. In addition to helping assure that the Baseball Hall of Fame remains a monument to our National Pastime – members are afforded special opportunities throughout the year, including additional perks during Hall of Fame Weekend. Members always enjoy many benefits, including Memories and Dreams magazine, a Hall of Fame Yearbook and free admission to the Museum year-round. To learn more about the program and its many benefits, please visit www.baseballhall.org/join.
Additional Hall of Fame Weekend Membership benefits include:
• Free admission to the Museum throughout the year, including Hall of Fame Weekend
• A special members-only entrance to the Hall of Fame to avoid long lines
• Exclusive early access to the Museum on Saturday, Sunday and Monday
• VIP reserved seating for the Induction for Contributor, President’s Circle and Benefactor Members
• VIP reserved seating for the Awards Presentation for Contributor, President’s Circle and Benefactor Members
• A complimentary copy of the Commemorative Hall of Fame Weekend Program
• Priority access to the Legends of the Game Roundtable program on Monday
Accommodations
To the topAccommodation information is available through www.thisiscooperstown.com/lodging, www.cooperstowngetaway.org and through the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce at 607-547-9983. For driving directions from major cities, area cities and local airports, visit the directions page at the Hall of Fame’s website for more information: www.baseballhall.org/visit/cooperstown.
Induction Ceremony
To the topThe Sunday, July 29, Induction Ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. on the grounds outside of the Clark Sports Center, which is located on lower Susquehanna Avenue, just one mile south of the Hall of Fame. The Ceremony is held rain or shine, unless severe weather forces the cancellation of the event. Professional interpreters will be provided for the hearing impaired. The Induction Ceremony historically lasts two-to-three hours. Lawn seating for the event is unlimited and free of charge. A blanket or lawn chair is recommended for comfortable viewing. As the weather in Cooperstown can be warm in July, it is recommended that visitors bring a cap and sunscreen.
Merchandise and Museum membership packages are available for purchase at the Induction site. Refreshments are sold at the site and water is provided complimentary to visitors. For information on reserved seating options granted to Museum members, please call 607-547-0397.
Awards Presentation
To the topThe Hall of Fame Awards Presentation will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 28 at Doubleday Field and will feature the presentation of the Ford C. Frick Award for baseball broadcasting excellence to Bob Costas and the J.G. Taylor Spink Award for meritorious contributions to baseball writing to Sheldon Ocker.
Parade of Legends
To the topJoin the pageantry and excitement as the Hall of Famers ride in trucks provided by Ford Motor Company down Main Street at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, concluding with a red carpet arrival on the Museum steps as Hall of Famers make their way to the Museum for a private reception.
PLAY Ball with Ozzie Smith
To the topPlay on a dream team that could only come together in Cooperstown, with Ozzie Smith and Hall of Famer guests hosting a morning experience in a fundraiser for the Hall of Fame’s educational programs. For the 17th year, PLAY Ball returns as Players, Legends And You with an interactive meet and greet, starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 27th during Hall of Fame Weekend 2018.
PLAY Ball features over two hours of non-stop interaction, including personalized instruction and the chance to turn double plays. Each participant receives time on the field with these baseball legends, as well as personalized photo and special mementos of the occasion. Prior to the on-field activity, participants and Hall of Famers will share a special breakfast in the Hall of Fame’s Plaque Gallery. This event is open to fans of all ages. Space is limited and the event will be open for registration this spring. Interested participants can register by calling 607-547-0310.
Legends of the Game Roundtable
To the topThe Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018 will participate in the Legends of the Game Roundtable event at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 30 at historic Doubleday Field in Cooperstown. This event is for Members only and costs $10 for adults and $5 for juniors (under 12 years old). Tickets are available to members beginning in June by calling 607-547-0397.
Induction Weekend Travel Packages
To the topThe National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has teamed up with Sports Travel and Tours to offer baseball fans a one-stop opportunity to purchase Induction Weekend travel packages. For more information or to plan a trip to Cooperstown, please call 1-888-310-HALL (4255). Membership participants receive a 5% discount on all their baseball travel packages.
Museum Hours
To the topThe Museum maintains the following Hall of Fame Weekend hours: Friday, July 27: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday, July 28: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, July 29: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Monday, July 30: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. For Hall of Fame Members, doors open at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and at 8 a.m. on Monday. As always, Hall of Fame Members receive free admission. A special Members’ only entrance eliminates the need to wait in line. Interested parties may enroll in the membership program in advance at www.baseballhall.org/join.
Highlights from Hall of Fame Weekend 2017
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Class of 2018
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2018 Award Winners
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Bob Costas named 2018 Ford C. Frick Award Winner for Broadcasting Excellence
Sheldon Ocker wins J.G. Taylor Spink Award
Hall of Fame Weekend
Celebrate With Us
Make your childhood dream a reality. Your memories come to life as we celebrate the Class of 2017 with over four dozen Hall of Famers.
Voting Rules
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Future Induction Weekend Dates
To the topDates for future Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies include:
2019: Sunday, July 21
2020: Sunday, July 26
2021: Sunday, July 25
2022: Sunday, July 24
2023: Sunday, July 23