Baseball Hall of Fame - a dream come true

Russ had a very special 73rd birthday and I decided I wanted him to report it right here in first person.  So here's his report:

 

"Growing up, I loved playing baseball.  I often attended minor league games and then when we lived in the Bay Area for 14 years, we were able to watch both the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s play.  I loved watching Willie Mays and Willie McCovey play for the Giants.  After moving to Tennessee, we also watched a few of the Atlanta Braves games.  Many of the players I followed during those years are now in the Hall of Fame.  So it was a very special treat to go with my three sons Troy, Joel, and Brad to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown New York on September 13.  We had tried in years past to schedule the trip and thanks in large part to Joel’s persistence, we made it this year.  I would love to have had Sharlene with me as she also played baseball and softball in her youth and continues to enjoy it.

I flew from Tennessee to New York City where I joined up with Brad and Joel who flew in from Utah and with Troy who flew in from California and then we drove to Cooperstown that night.  We spent the whole next day inside the hall drinking in all the history and trivia about my favorite sport.  We saw several films, my favorite being highlights from past World Series games.  It brought back so many memories.  In addition to the actual plaques for each member of the hall, there were great displays and stories about Hank Aaron, Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and all the other great players.  There was memorabilia galore including pictures, original uniforms, spikes, bats, and many famous home run balls.  It was truly a dream come true to be there.

The next day happened to be my 73rd birthday and we celebrated by watching a couple of innings of baseball at the Cooperstown baseball field where the yearly old timers game is held.  I would have loved to go out and take a couple of swings.  We then drove back to New York City where my sons treated me to a great birthday dinner and gave me a commemorative baseball they had all signed.  It was truly a trip to remember.  Thanks boys for the memories."

Arriving at the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame - Joel, Russ, Troy, Brad



Inside the Hall of Fame with Babe Ruth

Giants fans through and through

 

Some of the first to make the Hall of Fame

Russ anticipates the old timers' game

Celebrating Russ's 73rd Birthday at Five Points Restaurant in NYC

 NEW YORK CITY

The subways of New York City