Yesterday was Induction weekend, and usually, I am there for the event.  That wasn’t possible this year, though I was up in Cooperstown on Friday to hear Bill Madden give a talk about his new book on George Steinbrenner.  Though not as crowded as an Induction Sunday, the town, and sidewalks, were pretty full. Especially when considering that just one former player was being inducted.

Here is a shot of folks viewing the plaques. While it isn’t super crowded, you can see a lot more folks inside than on a non-induction week day.

Fans Viewing the Hall of Fame Plaques Friday

The speeches themselves were shown on the MLB channel, and the inductees which included Bill Madden into the wirters wing,  Jon Miller into the broadcast wing, umpire Doug Harvey,  Manager Whitey Herzog and former player Andre Dawson were quite poignant.

Dawson’s piece was particularly strong. He spoke about his strong mother and grandmother who raised him and taught him right from wrong.  These women gave him the strength to go after his dreams- after he got his education- and that is what brought him to Cooperstown.  Here is a link to a Tony Ginetti piece about the speech.  I just wish more kids were watching yesterday to hear how hard work will take you places- perhaps all the way to Cooperstown.