Four County Schools to Take Field in Cooperstown

PITTSFIELD, -- The May 20 baseball games in Cooperstown, N.Y., involving four county teams will be called the “Cooperstown Classic,” the Pittsfield Public Schools Athletic Department announced on Wednesday.

 

Two league games -- Pittsfield vs. Wahconah and Taconic vs. Hoosac Valley -- will be played starting at 10 a.m. at Doubleday Field.

 

Just two blocks away from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Doubleday Field is named after Abner Doubleday, a Civil War general and one of baseball's pioneers. Built in 1920, Doubleday Field hosted the traditional induction weekend MLB Hall of Fame Game between 1940 and 2008, and continues to host to the annual Hall of Fame Classic played between retired baseball legends each Memorial Day weekend. 

 

A ballpark whose history is rich for the people who have graced it and the purity for which it stands, Doubleday Field has a seating capacity of 9,700, making playing in these games a truly unique experience for the participating student-athletes.  Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Roberto Clemente, Jackie Robinson, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ozzie Smith are just a few of the game's greatest that have played there.

 

“We are excited about this opportunity”, said Taconic coach Kevin Stannard, who recently celebrated his 300th career victory.  “It’s not only a good team-building experience for the kids to be able to play at this historic venue, but it’s also a chance for them to take in and appreciate the history surrounding a game that they are passionate about.”

 

Players and coaches representing the four participating Berkshire County high schools will not only compete at Doubleday Field, but will also have the opportunity to tour the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum and spend some time in the Village of Cooperstown.  Team itineraries for the Taconic and Pittsfield High School Baseball programs include both varsity and junior varsity players making the trip to Cooperstown. 

 

“As a baseball player and true fan of the game, this trip is something special”, said Pittsfield High senior shortstop Kevin Donati, who recently accepted a scholarship to continue his baseball and educational career at UAlbany.  “Playing in meaningful games against local rivals in the shadows of the Baseball Hall of Fame is something that the teams are really looking forward to.”

 

Admission to the doubleheader is free for Berkshire County baseball fans planning on making the trip to Cooperstown to support and cheer on our local student-athletes. For additional information about the history of Doubleday Field, or the Cooperstown area, visit www.thisiscooperstown.com.

 

The National Baseball Hall of Fame, one of the country’s most popular destinations, and the best-known sports shrine in the world, is located just two blocks away from Doubleday Field. The Baseball Hall of Fame hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., which gives spectators an opportunity to catch the ballgames and tour the museum if desired. For additional information about the National Baseball Hall of Fame, hours of operation, exhibits, and admission fees, visit www.baseballhall.org or call (607) 547-7200.

 

For additional information about the Cooperstown Classic High School Baseball Showcase, please contact The Pittsfield Public Schools Athletic Department at 413-499-9523.