National Baseball Hall of Fame

This Day in History: January 29, 1936

1936 (dedicated June 12, 1939)
Cooperstown, New York
Source: en.wikipedia.org

Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet. Ah-h-h...the American Classics. One of which, baseball, is the story in the forefront for this day in history. Focal point: Baseball Hall of Fame

Cooperstown...pure Americana. The spirit of Cooperstown...baseball! It is in Cooperstown, New York where one will find the Baseball Hall of Fame. It serves as the central location for the history of baseball in the United States and so much more. Surrounding the hall of fame is the motto "Preserving History, Honoring Excellence, Connecting Generations." 

It was on this day in history, January 29, 1936, the U.S. Baseball Hall of Fame elected its first members. Those initially honored in Cooperstown . . .

Plaques of the "First Class" of inductees":
Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner and Walter Johnson
Source: en.wikipedia.org

Christy Matthewson (August 12, 1880 – October 7, 1925) nicknamed "Big Six", "The Christian Gentleman", or "Matty" had more wins than any pitcher in National League history.

Babe Ruth (February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948) nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat" was both an ace pitcher and the greatest home-run hitter to play the game.

Ty Cobb (December 18, 1886 – July 17, 1961) nicknamed "The Georgia Peach" was the most productive hitter in history.

Honus Wagner (February 24, 1874 – December 6, 1955) nicknamed "The Flying Dutchman" was a versatile star shortstop and batting champion.

Walter Johnson (November 6, 1887 – December 10, 1946) nicknamed "Barney" and "The Big Train" was considered one of the most powerful pitchers to ever have taken the mound.

Bits of Nostalgia: Within its history exists both myth and legend as to who invented the game of baseball. One story places the title on the head of U.S. Civil War hero Abner Doubleday in Cooperstown. The story proved to be phony bologna. However, baseball officials were eager to capitalize on the publicity and marketing of a place of honor for the games greatest players, thus, gave their support. So it was to be...a museum and hall of fame in Cooperstown, New York for the game known as America's favorite pastime. 

Three years later – on June 12, 1939 – the Hall of Fame building officially opened. To mark the occasion, Time magazine wrote:
"The world will little note nor long remember what (Doubleday) did at Gettysburg, but it can never forget what he did at Cooperstown."

The Doubleday Myth has since been declared that which it is, "The Myth." Yet, it has grown so strong the facts will never deter the spirit of Cooperstown. There are references to baseball games in America dating back to the 1700s. Alexander Cartwright has been officially declared the 'Father of Baseball' developing rules in the 1840s that are the basis for the game today.

 Life, hot dogs and baseball
Hot apple pie topped with ice cream
Ah-h-h-h! Those American classics
Sad day had their visions not been seen!

Awakenings ©2012
Sharla Lee Shults

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National Baseball Hall of Fame