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1-31-2008 By JIM AUSTIN Editor National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum President Dale Petroskey made the announcement Tuesday morning during a brief press conference in the Hall's offices. "We've been holding on by our finger nails for years," Petroskey said of the last surviving in-season exhibition game in Major League Baseball. "I'm sad about it as is Jane (Clark) and everyone at the Hall of Fame." "We were lucky we had it as long as we did," said Hall Vice-President Jeff Idelson. Petroskey and Idelson explained that in recent years, scheduling the Hall of Fame game has become much tougher. In 2002, Major League Baseball did away with all other in-season exhibition games, and in 2003, the game was separated from the annual Induction weekend because of scheduling difficulties. "Scheduling became more and more complicated," Petroskey said. "We've known it's been a challenge for them for several years. We were the last one standing." Idelson said finding two teams with the same open day that hadn't been to Cooperstown for five years; were traveling east of the Mississippi and willing to give up one of their few days off had become almost impossible. "Major League Baseball has gone out on a limb for a number of years to keep this alive. Major League Baseball is very supportive of the Hall. We have a fine relationship which is the reason we have been able to keep it alive this long," Petroskey said. "Given the complexities of the Major League schedule and all its inherent challenges, it has become increasingly difficult in recent years to find a suitable date and make the proper arrangements for two clubs to participate in the Hall of Fame Game during the regular season," said Major League Baseball President and Chief Operating Officer Bob DuPuy. "Since 1940, the Hall of Fame Game has been a unique part of the baseball calendar, and one that has been greatly enjoyed. "We hope that the wonderful fans of Central New York can understand the practical considerations that contributed to this decision.áCooperstown remains a beacon for our national pastime. We will continue to work with the Hall to find ways to promote it and Cooperstown throughout our season." The game will be a loss not only to baseball fans who looked forward to seeing major leaguers play on historic Doubleday Field, but to the community as a whole. "We recognize that the game has been wonderful family entertainment for area residents, and been an important fund-raiser for Cooperstown Central School, as well as area non-profits and the business community. We will continue to be creative and innovative in looking for ways to host wonderful baseball events in the absence of the game," said Hall Chairman Jane Forbes Clark. Petroskey said the Hall is looking forward to presenting new, exciting baseball experiences for residents and visitors. Although the Hall was not instrumental in bringing the International League's 125th anniversary game to Doubleday Field in May, Petroskey predicted there would be more games like that played at the field. "There have been a lot of opportunities we've not taken advantage of," he said. Mayor Carol Waller said Tuesday she was "very disappointed" to learn this would be the last year for the Hall of Fame Game. "I'm grateful for the 70 years we did have it," she said. Waller said the village will be working on bringing other events to Doubleday Field that would help replace revenue generated by the Hall of Fame game. She mentioned the International League game, more concerts and possibly enticing Little League to play its championship series in home of baseball. Village treasurer Mary Ann Henderson said the village receives half the revenue from the game after the Hall has deducted expenses. In recent years, that has amounted to approximately $30,000 from which village expenses are deducted. Last year that worked out to be between $24,000 and $25,000. "Clearly, it is a sad passing of great tradition," said village trustee Jeff Katz, who chairs the Doubleday Field committee. "It's understandable, but it doesn't make it any less sad." Katz said he knows the loss of the game will be a blow to many merchants and the senior class, but the village revenue picture should remain neutral, he said, due to a field rental fee increase put in place this year. "It will offset almost to the penny the game revenue," he said, adding that they had hoped the increase would generate extra revenue for the field. Katz said he hopes they will end up with more events like the International League game in May, but that replacing an event like the Hall of Fame game for the community would be a challenge and probably require a series of events. "The Hall of Fame Game has been an important community event for the past 68 years.á The entire Cooperstown region has been blessed to have Major League Baseball bring major league baseball games to Cooperstown. The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce recognizes that the game has been wonderful for fans and area residents alike," said Chamber Executive Director John Bullis. "The game has been important to the business community, area non-profits, and local schools as well. The Cooperstown Chamber is fully committed to working with the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Village of Cooperstown, and other community partners to develop new and exciting ways to celebrate the Home of Baseball in the absence of the game." Bullis said the Hall of Fame Game parade has grown in recent years, and since this is the last one, they will work to make it better than ever. The chamber plans to work in conjunction with the village and Hall of Fame to build a series of events to fill the gap created by the loss of the game. "My goal would be to create an event or events that would support a parade. Perhaps it would be possible to reconnect the parade with Hall of Fame weekend," he said. This year's game will be played on Monday, June 16. There will be a one-day overthe- counter sale of approximately 2,500 tickets on Saturday, March 8. |
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