Baseball Attractions in Cooperstown, NY   by Eve Elderman

in Travel / Hotels and Lodging    (submitted 2012-01-31)

Cooperstown's major attraction is baseball tourism. It's hard to miss all the baseball themed stores that line the streets of this town that hosts youth-league baseball, baseball history attractions as well as the Hall of Fame Classic.

Probably the most notable attraction in town is the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. This historic and award-winning museum is probably most famous for inducting great baseball players into the "Hall of Fame". The Baseball Hall of Fame has been honoring great managers, players, executives, umps and others who have made the game what it is today, from the days of Ty Cobb in 1956 right up to Roberto Alomar in 2011. You can find The Hall centered right on Main St.

The "Hall of Fame Classic" is played each Fathers Day. This is an exhibition gam, featuring former Major League players, including Hall of Famers. The Classic is held in Doubleday Field, in which the "Hall of Fame Game" was once played. The "Hall of Fame" game was originally played between old-timers, and eventually became a game of squads that were made up from the major leagues. The game was traditionally held during the Hall's "Induction Weekend."

The motto of Cooperstown Dreams Park, which is another great draw to Cooperstown, is "Where Baseball Present Meets the Traditional Values of Baseball Past"™. Young players from all over the States, and the world, make a pilgrimage to this park each year. The Dreams Park is the home of the National American Tournament of Champions , which is open to players 12-years old and younger. It also houses the "American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame.

Although it's actually located in the town of Oneonta, not far from Cooperstown, Cooperstown Baseball World gives young players from 10 to 16 years of age an opportunity to compete in tournaments. It's games are held on Oneonta State's baseball fields, as well as in historic Damaschke field in the city of Oneona - a field where Babe Ruth once played. Currently home to the Detroit Tigers Class A Team, Damaschke field was previously the home to the NY Yankees Class A team.

Although also not quite in Cooperstown, albeit not far away, on the other side of Oneonta, is Cooperstown All-Star Village - the home of Youth Travel Baseball for children 12 to 16.

The main streets and outskirts of Cooperstown are lined with baseball-themed establishments. For instance, you can find the Cooperstown Bat Company, where you can watch as they make and personalize your own bat. Baseball memorabilia shops, especially baseball-card stores are everywhere, as well as eating establishments that named after, or even owned by baseball personalities who's names you will surely recognize.

During your visit to Cooperstown, you'll want the most convenient and comfortable lodging possible. There are many inns, hotels, motels and other venues available. Whether you are traveling with your family, or entire baseball teams and their entourages, one of the best Cooperstown lodging possibilities, August Lodge and Spa (just minutes away from all the local attractions, and only a mile from Cooperstown Dreams Park) is a great choice.

One thing is for sure - wherever you stay in Cooperstown, NY, you are sure to find lots of baseball activities.

About the Author

Eve Elderman reviews hotels and other lodging venues. She lives and writes near Cooperstown, NY.
If you are looking for a superior Cooperstown vacation, visit August Lodge and Spa. While there, check out the August Lodge Baseball page.