Induction Day

We were taking the bus over to Cooperstown (again….boy these bus rides are getting long) and they drop us off at Clark Sports Center where the induction ceremony is held (this is about 1 mile from the downtown area of Cooperstown). A huge tent covered the area where Bert, Roberto, and Pat will give their induction speeches. We had to wait for a few minutes before they officially let the fans into the seated areas. We were lucky enough to secure seating with chairs (think outdoor concert as a venue) – as many as 20,000 people have attended the inductions at Cooperstown – but I think 10,000-12,000 where possibly in attendance (a light crowd – mostly due to the fact that all three guys where part of “small market” baseball teams – if a New York Yankee was getting inducted we would have seen much bigger crowds).
We get through the line and to my amazement – we are in Section 2 (Section 1 was reserved for HOF family, media, other baseball greats, etc) – which is situated about 30 rows from the podium. Amazing view and of course we have about 40-45 of us from Twins Fantasy Camp sitting in that section.

Stan Dickman, director of the Twins Fantasy Camp, had a banner made to present:

Here is the motley crew from Twins Fantasy Camp!

The ceremony starts with the introductions of 47 Hall of Famers who are in attendance – they introduce each former great and they find a seat (behind the podium). They then introduce the 2011 class and Pat Gillick’s speech is first.

Pat (a General Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays (92 & 93) and Philadelphia Phillies (2008) championship teams) Gillick’s speech was warm, humble and ‘real’. He talked about his times as a scout and his reality that he was not going to be a big league pitcher after college. He talked about his family (mainly his wife and daughter) – very touching as he was holding back the emotions of what they mean to him. He ended his speech with, “I may not be the most deserving, but I am the most appreciative” – a humble man indeed.

Roberto Alomar was next up – I am not sure what I expected of “Robbie” but for some reason I had a mixed bag with him. He was one of the most amazing fielders at 2nd base, but for some reason I always thought of him as one of those pompous, arrogant players we are all too familiar with – well his speech left me with that feeling of – “Please stop judging people” – a firm reminder of my many faults. Alomar’s speech tore my heart in half – he was quite humble and admitted that speaking in front of an audience is not something he enjoys. He also reminded us, “...english is my 2nd language,” getting a chuckle from the crowd. Alomar went into great detail about his family and how they were very important to him, especially his brother, Sandy Alomar Jr. I had to wipe away a few tears at the end because (like Gillick) Robbie was holding back the emotions of the day as we watched video of his Mom wiping her tears and the joy of his other family members. Roberto Alomar is a worthy Hall of Famer and his speech was one of pure emotion.

Video of Bert’s Introduction: Click here @ MLB.COM

Now it was time for Bert – since he is a broadcaster you knew his speech would be delivered like a pro. Much like his ability on the mound to shine – his speech was very business like but plenty of references to his silly antics he used to pull on his teammates in the past. He did start out asking, “Are we live?”, in reference to the time he dropped an “eff” bomb during a pre game broadcast a few years ago in New York. Bert is a great story teller and talked about Lee May (the first batter he faced in the majors) hitting a home run off a 3-2 count (He finished the game – and the win – pitching 7 IP and giving up that lone run). Bert mentioned that Jim Kaat, Tony Oliva, and Tommy John should join him in the Hall of Fame as well. To be honest, Bert’s speech was good, but it could have been better – Bert’s respect of the game and the Hall of Fame tempered that fun loving Bert us fantasy campers have gotten to know at Kangaroo Court. I still think he did a good job.

After the speeches were done I walked over and saw that Peter Gammons was interviewing Bert on the MLB network, I decided that perching myself behind this interview I may have the chance to be on TV. It was verified through a friend that I indeed was able to be on camera – it should be interesting to see what this rube looks like on TV (I am sure those ten extra pounds will be there).

The Plaque

We waited around to see the plaque hanging – I was lucky enough to situate myself near the front of the line and was able to get a photo with Bert’s plaque within minutes of it being hung on the wall.

We went back to Cooperstown the next day and finished a great trip. Congrats Bert (Roberto and Pat) -- you are Hall of Fame worthy and you are "Here by Circled!"

--PB

~~ "You can observe a lot just by watching." - Yogi Berra ~~