Diamonds For Women

jpochard · Joined: 04 Jul 2012 Posts: 127 Location: Hamilton, Ohio

My oldest daughter and her family moved to NY this past March. She and her husband, Billy, had my first and only grandbaby last November, so it was really difficult to see them all move so far away. Billy accepted his first call to be senoir pastor at a small church in Norfolk, NY - which is almost into Canada.

They moved in March and we actually kept the baby during the move then drove up to drop him off after they moved in (they live in the church!) I was also up for a week's visit in April and they came back for a visit in May for my youngest daughter's HS graduation. Good thing I love to travel. Smile

So..all things considered, it just made WAY too much sense to make this the year I finally visit the Baseball Hall of Fame. It's about a 4 hour drive from my kid, one of my favorite all-time Red's player is being inducted, and we need a vacation! I'm hoping that since there aren't many players going in, and none who are really "marquee" type players, that the crowds will not be as huge as they could be for that weekend.

I have rented a long lens to take with me and hope to come away with some great photos to share!

Has anyone been there during an induction weekend and do you have any advice???

We were late making this plan, just making our hotel reservations last month, so we are staying about 40 miles out of town. We plan to be there early on Saturday, do the Hall itself and watch the parade. Then we'll be there for the ceremony on Sunday and leave town afterward to head to my daughter's home.

I'm so excited! Can't wait to share the experience with you all. How many of you have been?

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Thu 7/5/12 11:45 am Post subject:

So far, me! Smile

Cathy (forloveofthegame) has been, too, although I didn't know her at the time.
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"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

GilHodgesFan · Joined: 15 Jan 2011 Posts: 1763 Location: Cedar Rapids Iowa

I am glad to hear you are making that trip jpochard. A "must see" for any baseball fan. I have not been to the Hall yet as I am waiting for Gil Hodges to get inducted to make my first trip there.

It will be extra thrilling for you to be there for the induction of Barry Larkin. I can't wait to see pictures from your visit Smile

I come from a family of mainly Cubs fans so it will be interesting to see the turnout for Ron Santo also. It is too bad he couldn't have gotten into the Hall while he was still here.

We will all be looking forward to your report and photos jpochard Very Happy

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"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)

forloveofthegame · Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 7525 Location: San Diego

I went in 2007 when Tony Gwynn was inducted. I can give you tips but they will have to wait for later as I am on borrowed time right now. All I can say is you will have an easier time of it than we did - the Hall of Fame had its largest turnout, ever, far & away in 2007. The attendance that weekend has only been a fraction of it ever since that time, and before it. I wonder if they will ever have crowds as big swelling that place at the same time, again.
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"Baseball is an allegorical play about America, a poetic, complex, and subtle play of courage, fear, good luck, mistakes, patience about fate, and sober self-esteem." - Saul Steinberg

jpochard · Joined: 04 Jul 2012 Posts: 127 Location: Hamilton, Ohio

My biggest concern is getting a good spot for the actual induction ceremony. My husband, who is not a big fan, was planning on driving my daughter and I to the complex and dropping us off with chairs, etc. and then going back to park in one of the shuttle lots.

For those who have been - is this a good plan? I am not paying the ridiculous price for VIP seating, so how early do you suggest we arrive at the ceremony site? I have rented a fairly long lens, but I'd still like to keep my options open for getting as close as I can.

How about any tips about other things to shoot? I plan to be there for the parade on Saturday. Any place in particular good to set up for that?

Also, are there good places to encounter some of the HOF'ers?

Any advice is welcome! Thanks Smile

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Wed 7/11/12 4:35 am Post subject:

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Tue 7/17/12 7:26 am Post subject:

Just letting you know, I'm aware your trip is coming up really fast--I've dug up some info and comments I had on our experiences with Induction weekend in '07 and will be sharing that with you by tomorrow. Re-reading and reliving it was really exciting. Smile

_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

forloveofthegame · Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 7525 Location: San Diego

I am so sorry I never was able to get back here and give some good ideas on what to see and do in Cooperstown (time-wise etc.). I am still not ready to start this new job and I have been on it for just over a week now. It feels like over a month!

I am sure you must have had fun! Smile

_________________
"Baseball is an allegorical play about America, a poetic, complex, and subtle play of courage, fear, good luck, mistakes, patience about fate, and sober self-esteem." - Saul Steinberg