When it’s induction time in Cooperstown, you’ll see bustling shops and stands, like Brandon Phillips’ table with sports cards.
“It’s been a blast growing up here. I’m not a huge baseball fan, but I’ve grown to love it,” Phillips said.
You’ll see — and smell — food on the street and see trollies traveling.
And this year there were a lot of Yankees fans.
“I can’t wait for [Derek] Jeter’s speech. It’s going to be great,” said Mark Cisz, who traveled from Long Island.
Sean McGrath, of Pearl River, was also excited for Jeter, saying he has played baseball against Jeter’s nephew. McGrath even got a few special autographs from baseball stars he ran into during his time in Cooperstown.
Jeter, Ted Simmons, Larry Walker and the late Marvin Miller were honored in this year’s National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. It would have happened last year, but the COVID-19 pandemic prevented it.
“It’s sad that they couldn’t do it the regular weekend, but I think this is a good turnout for what we’ve been able to do,” Phillips said. “COVID has kind of ruined a lot of things, but it’s good that we can be back to a normal — whatever we want to call that.”
Crowd sizes may be smaller because of this September date, but the Cooperstown community is making the most of it.
More information about the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown can be found at baseballhall.org.
