The coolest day on the baseball calendar

Induction Weekend is the greatest gathering of baseball stars in the picturesque village in upstate New York.

When else can you see Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson, Henry Aaron and Willie Mays, Lou Brock and Rickey Henderson, and the other Hall of Famers all together, swapping stories, poking fun at each other, revisiting their rivalries or enjoying each other’s company?

Even the Hall of Famers can get a little starry-eyed, especially when the more recently enshrined return. They look around and see the select company they have joined and let it all soak in. This is the baseball company I now get to keep.

While some look forward to Induction Sunday and the speeches, I remain partial to the events of Saturday night where one can get a different perspective of the Hall of Fame members—where they sometimes also turn into a fan and admirer of some the game’s greats.

Everyone Loves a Parade

There is a parade unlike any other. During the Parade of Legends on Saturday evening Hall of Famers ride in the back of both classic cars and the latest models from behind Doubleday Field and onto Main Street. There are fans lined up alongside both sides of the streets as each Hall of Famer is introduced.

Fans roar as their favorites are driven down the street to be delivered at the front steps of the Hall of Fame.

Last year there was the added Latino flavor. All along the parade route there were Puerto Rican flags being waved and “wepa” being shouted as Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez rode by and his fans from throughout the United States and Puerto Rico celebrated his arrival.

Then there are the fan favorites who have been returning now for decades such as Juan Marichal. Participating in the parade and engaging with the fans is a big part of what makes Induction Weekend special for Marichal.

“It makes me feel good when I hear all those people (mimics cheering noises) the Dominican Dandy. All that makes you feel good,” Marichal said. “Just being here and seeing so many people that love this game, that follow this game, for years. The tradition, it’s wonderful, it’s wonderful. I love to be in that parade and, and listen to those people and watching them, how nice they want to be with you. So, it’s great, it’s great.”

Get the Party Started

The parade ends with the constellation of the game’s all-time greats walking a red carpet into the Hall of Fame. But the night is not over, the party is just starting.

The Parade of Legends is followed by the Hall of Fame Gala. The plaque gallery becomes alive for those fortunate enough to secure a ticket. Many Hall of Famers like to gather at the tables set up near their plaques where guests can mingle with them over food and libations. Part of the night’s fun is taking pictures with Hall of Famers by their plaques, meeting their family and children, and hearing them tell stories.

Watching the Hall of Famers maneuver the room and seek each other out to take pictures with is fascinating. That’s when you notice the respect younger Hall members have for the senior brethren. It’s the glint in Barry Larkin’s eye when he pressed into taking a photo with Orlando Cepeda by Dave Winfield. Or seeing Pudge Rodríguez’s smile when he takes a photo with his baseball idol Johnny Bench.

The Hall of Fame Gala is also pregame for some. Saturday is also the night for the parties thrown across Cooperstown for each of the year’s new inductees. That’s when, typically, the organization with which the new members of the Hall are most identified throws a party. That’s where there is live music, dancing, and all-out celebrating.

Attending the “Pudge” party last year was an absolute highlight. Around the room were former Rangers teammates like Ruben Sierra and José Guzmán, team officials and former coaches who worked with Rodríguez along the way. Meeting and talking to his parents from Puerto Rico in Spanish, sitting at the table decorated with Puerto Rican and Texas flags, and enjoying tostones and steak gave the night a distinct sabor.

It is seeing the celebration before the speeches, being able to interact with the Hall of Famers and their families, and especially observing the fan in them that makes Saturday night during Induction Weekend the favorite day on my baseball calendar.

Featured Image: La Vida Baseball