Discussions

So Pete Rose really is in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Well, his jersey is. And spikes.

That’s among the things I learned in my recent visit to Cooperstown. I literally was in the neighborhood (Albany, NY) so I decided to make the hour and 15 minute drive west to the famed museum.

First, the drive was pretty easy. First third of it was interstate from the Albany airport, then U.S. 20, which was four lanes most of the way. Then, the two-lane road that takes you to Cooperstown is pretty scenic, following the lines of Lake Otsego through rolling hills. You won’t make up any time in this last stretch of highway, whether you’re behind an RV (as I was) or not. It’s just not an area where you can go much above the speed limit.

I was there mid-week, in September, so crowds were steady, but fairly thin. So I was able to park, on the street, (two hour free parking) literally right in front of the main doors. Try that at most other Halls! And the part I enjoyed the most was, when you headed to the ticket booth, there was a greeter there to answer any quick questions you had about the museum and to suggest your tour of the building to get the most out of it. I’m sure that REALLY comes in handy when there are long lines to get tickets, but I liked it. It was a nice touch, and a great way to familiarize yourself with the place, even before you get the map.

Second floor is first, with a history of baseball and the museum itself. Third floor is divided into different eras, and I liked the fact there were separate nooks for Latins in baseball, the Negro Leagues, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron (is he the last home run hitter we can actually celebrate?), women in baseball, and the like. There are also encased displays for special teams like the Charlie Findlay A’s, the Yankees and, yes, the Big Red Machine (hence Pete’s jersey and spikes, along with a sign explaining why he’s not there with a plaque).

Ah, yes, the plaques. They’re downstairs on the bottom floor, by year, except for the very first class and the most recent one. And, can I say this? I like the way the Reds Hall of Fame displays its plaques much better than how Cooperstown does it. Cooperstown has the plaques row upon row on wood-paneled walls. Period. At the Reds Hall of Fame, the plaques are suspended on virtual columns, where people can walk between and among them, with crowd sounds and baseball calls in the background. I love the feeling you get looking at the Reds plaques.

After the obligatory stop at the gift shop, it was back to Albany. Sure, the trip was out of my way, but worth it. Not sure I’d want to be there in the middle of summer, though—I have a feeling the traffic and crowds would make it not so easy to navigate. But on a warm September day, with the lake glistening along the road, it was a perfect day to celebrate baseball’s history.