BASEBALL, THE STORY OF AMERICA
A HALL OF FAME CITY
Baseball is America’s pastime and it was obvious with today’s visit to Cooperstown. But the Hall of Fame is more than just career statistics manufactured by incredible athletes; it’s also about Americana. Display cabinets showed heroes, trophies, and personal effects, but it was the images of fans that consumed my interest. All demographics of our country were in the backgrounds of photographs; American history, folklore, and tradition were alive in every room. The history of social justice and gender equality were very prominent and it was baseball that helped our nation make it through some of the most challenging times of wars and economic depressions. More than anything else the Hall showcased our undying love for the game and our collective spirit of hope for the year that our team will reach the pennant and the belief that there is “always next year.” All American icons, including movie stars and presidents want to be associated with a favorite team, or player. We all want to be part of a winning club, and it doesn’t matter if the team is from our own city. Perhaps the greatest legacy is that baseball transcends our differences like nothing else. Rich or poor, black or white, man or woman, old or young; we are all as one when cheering for our team.
PATH TO OTSEGO LAKE
A LITTLE FRIEND IN COOPERSTOWN
