Tourist review of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, NY, is one of America's great cultural treasures

Whenever visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y., the stay always goes into "extra innings" given the tremendously informative and entertaining presentations of America's pastime.

For those that make the pilgrimage, they know the special feeling of reliving the history of our greatest game in one of America's most beautiful and genuine communities, Cooperstown, NY. Residing proudly on Cooperstown's Main Street in a stately large, brick building with a newly renovated, inviting outside entrance, the Hall of Fame's mission is to "relive the history of the National Pastime, through artifacts from historic records, to the plaques of the game's greatest players in the Hall of Fame Gallery," according to its literature.

Those promotional words become reality-based and ultimately three-dimensional when entering into baseball's most sacred building. The memorable and historical Hall of Fame Gallery -- where one can read plaques recognizing all the great players inducted into this illustrious museum -- is worth the price of admission alone. There is something unifying about the Hall as it seems like the faces on the plaques have come to life, embracing each others' accomplishments. It is a place to recognize the game's greatness and go back to childhood by reading the stats of your favorite players, wondering where, for adults, the time has gone from trading cards to trading stocks. The kids seem to love the mix of memorabilia and hands-on, interactive exhibits that further create a connection to a game that they already love. Growing up in the Boston area, I still remember the glorious 1972 trip to Cooperstown. Visiting the Hall, looking at every nook and cranny of the building -- and coming back home with the biggest smile on my face and stories to tell my neighborhood friends -- was a real travel/baseball highlight in my childhood. On a deeply personal level, that Hall of Fame visit, and ensuing ones, have been just as mighty as the game itself!

That there are two more floors above is pure heaven for baseball fans, including the longstanding accomplishments of the New York Yankees in historical photographs and memories, women's baseball, the Negro Leagues, the Boston Red Sox display as 2004 World Series champs (ending a drought since 1918), "all-time leader" stat boards to stare at all day long, team histories brought to life in superb board presentations, and the hilarious movie clip of Abbott and Costello's "Who's on First."

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum also has a wonderful library and an appealing park area, perfect for a short stroll or yet another perspective on the stunning nearby Otsego Lake. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-see for the baseball fan or anyone with an interest in history. It is, simply, one of life's great joys.

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

25 Main Street , Cooperstown, NY , Tel. (888) 425-5633

Click here for current National Baseball Hall of Fame Calendar of Events.