If you’re wondering why the National Baseball Hall of Fame was built in Cooperstown, it’s because of a popular historical claim: that Abner Doubleday invented the game of baseball in this beautiful town, which was named after Judge William Cooper, who founded it in the 18th century.
The beautifully constructed three-story building of the National Baseball Hall of Fame has been renovated several times since the Hall of Fame first opened on June 12, 1939. Upon entering, you’ll find the entrance to the exhibits on the left and the museum store on the right.
Our group was first guided to the Bullpen Theater, where the President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Josh Rawitch, warmly welcomed us. He shared the fascinating history of the institution and presented several items from the museum’s collection. His enthusiasm and pride in preserving these precious relics made me feel privileged to be there, witnessing the rich history and magic of baseball. We were amazed to learn from Josh that most living baseball legends visit the museum at least once a year—sometimes even more frequently.
We then watched the 20-minute film Generations of the Game in the Grandstand Theater inside the museum. The movie highlights legendary Hall of Fame baseball stars, with each narrating the defining moments of their careers. It was inspiring and emotional.
Although I’m not an avid baseball fan, the game holds a special place in my heart. My mom used to play baseball for fun in our neighborhood back in the Philippines. Watching the film reminded me of her and moved me deeply.
We didn’t stay long enough to see everything in the exhibits, as we had other wedding activities planned that day. However, I was thrilled to visit Babe Ruth’s corner and even had the chance to “laser” (scan?) the bat he used to hit 60 home runs.
One of the most inspiring parts of the visit was seeing the photos and stories of the women who broke records and challenged gender norms in baseball. Their courage and achievements reminded me to keep pursuing my own dreams.
I’ll always remember the powerful words of baseball legends. Babe Ruth once said, “Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.” And Mary Pratt—who both pitched and batted left-handed—shared, “The reality comes first, and the symbol comes after. I see these things, and suddenly they become symbolic of life.”
Our trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My family and I are incredibly grateful to President Josh Rawitch, the newlyweds Sophie and Maddie and their families, and to Bruce and Janet for making this unforgettable visit possible.
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