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The Magic of Abner Doubleday
Field
Doubleday Field resonates
with the true spirit and integrity of "America's Favorite
Pastime"
| Doubleday Field,
Cooperstown, NY (photo by Eric J. Hurwitz) |
by Eric H.
The grand game of baseball cannot
be better expressed than watching a game at Doubleday Field in
Cooperstown, NY. The hope that baseball players play the game
for only the love of their hobby or profession is fully realized
everyday --three games a day during the baseball season -- on
Doubleday Field's plush green field and perfectly manicured diamond.
The seating capacity is 9,800, admission free and the experience
priceless.
Named after Abner Doubleday (1819-1893),
a Union Army General and allegedly the originator of baseball,
Doubleday Field is as real as baseball stadiums get. Major League
parks may try to create an intimate setting, but Doubleday Field
was born that way and never strayed.
What a treat it is for the fans
to sit in the Cooperstown sunshine watching ballplayers hustling
like there is no tomorrow and having a good time in the process.
The experience may be amateur, but it is major league in every
way as the passion that the ball players display faithfully carries
on in the tradition of America's favorite pastime at the "Birthplace
of Baseball" in Cooperstown NY.
The charming 19th century-like
entrance, the covered grandstand behind home plate, and bleachers
encompassing the rest of the field resonate with baseball pride.
The stands have interesting nooks and crannies, with the field
being surrounded by beautifully mature trees, well maintained
homes (sometimes the victim of home runs breaking windows) and
a lovely church steeple.The Village of Cooperstown, Doubleday's
owners since 1919 (and with some great fundraising support for
renovations from the Ohio-based Friends of Doubleday) have clearly
shown a deep respect for this national landmark by keeping the
history intact, the game alive every baseball season day, and
making sure the future of Cooperstown includes Doubleday Field.
This type of preservation ultimately
gives baseball fans a place of baseball solace, knowing that
they can catch a ball game with integrity, passion and spirit
intact. --played on a field so historic, friendly and attractive
that it will give even the most passive baseball fans goosebumps.
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