No HOF Inductions, But There’s Still Much To Do In Cooperstown

The coronavirus pandemic has changed EVERYTHING. We can't go to or come from certain states without self-quarantining for 14 days, so many of us are staying in New York or Pennsylvania.

Even then, some things are shut down for the year. Take for example the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in Cooperstown, scheduled for July 25th and 26th. They were expecting record-breaking numbers before COVID-19 put an end to that.

Derek Jeter (along with Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons, and Larry Walker) were going to be inducted as part of the Class of 2020. They will be inducted next year along with the Class of 2021 on Sunday, July 25, 2021.

I have some friends that booked their hotel reservations five years ago when they knew that Jeter was going to retire and everyone knew that he would be inducted in 2020. The ceremony may be next year but there is an Inductees Exhibit at the Hall of Fame right now.

It features memorabilia from all the newest members of the Hall. One of Jeter's items is his batting helmet that he wore when he got his 3,000 career hit. I was fortunate to be at Yankee Stadium that day with my father, Carl and son, Devon. It was a day that we will never forget and I still have my ticket.

If you've been thinking about visiting Cooperstown, then now is a great time to go. The area can use your business and with travel restrictions, it's not as crowded. It's only about an hour and a half away and there is so much to see besides the Hall of Fame.

Many local shops, lots of ice cream stands, and restaurants. The lake is beautiful, the golf course is in great shape and the Ommegang Brewery isn't far away either.

I went to visit Cooperstown on Wednesday, August 12, and had a blast and can't wait to go back. Maybe I'll stay at a bed and breakfast next year.

[via National Baseball Hall of Fame]