Letters- Feb. 15, 2008

Good morning. This is regarding news reports on Otsego County Board of Directors’ desire to contact MLB in an effort to reinstate the Hall of Fame game in Cooperstown. I wanted to take a moment this morning to offer my best wishes in your attempt and to offer my two cents on the subject. I think it would be a crime not to continue bringing MLB teams to Cooperstown every year.
1. Change the HoF Game from an exhibition to a regular season game.
I understand MLB’s decision to stop supporting the Hall of Fame Game – it is an exhibition game and these players with multi-million dollar contracts are subjected to potentially getting hurt in a game that takes place during the season but doesn’t count for anything. This is the same reason you no longer hear about MLB clubs playing annual, regular season exhibition games against their minor league AAA affiliates.
Unless the MLB is simply interested in turning its back on Cooperstown, it should re-think the exhibition status and consider holding the HoF Game as an actual regular season game that counts for both teams’ records.
By doing so, the teams get to come out and support the very town and museum they play so hard to get into, all while maintaining their regular season schedule. This would not only give MLB teams a reason to play their stars, it would also draw much larger crowds in Cooperstown.
For the average spectator, it’s hard to commit to a weekend trip to Cooperstown even when you know your favorite team is coming because the team’s all-star(s) either won’t be there, or if so, they’ll be leaving after one inning.
In fact, MLB could even make a weekend out of it and have teams play in a two- or three-game series at Doubleday. Think of all the other money-making events that could be held throughout an entire weekend that feature visiting players and managers.
2. Not setting a new precedent.
Having a regular season game played in a non-MLB team city would not be unprecedented. In 2004, the season opened with a series between the Yankees and Devil Rays played in Tokyo, Japan. Visit http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/international/index.jsp?feature=games for a list of approximately 50 other regular season games that were played since 1996 in non-MLB team cities (namely Puerto Rico, Japan and Mexico).
If MLB has already proven that regular season games can be played in non-MLB team cities, then why would they blackball the most influential baseball town in the world from being able to do what was done in Mexico, Puerto Rico and Japan?
3. Field not too small to host a game that counts.
Some people might challenge Doubleday Field as being a suitable location to hold a regular season game, citing the field dimensions as being too shallow. The same critics think there would be too many HRs hit and it could skew the teams’ and players’ regular season stats. I disagree.
The Doubleday dimensions are:
Left field: 296 feet
Left-center field: 336 feet
Center field: 390 feet
Right-center field: 350 feet
Right field: 312 feet
With the exception of left field, the Doubleday dimensions are sufficient when compared to the rest of the MLB stadiums.
Just look at the dimensions of the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, where there’s not much of a difference:
Left Field - 328 feet
Left-Center - 379 feet
Center Field - 404 feet
Right-Center - 370 feet
Right Field - 325 feet
If the left field dimensions truly are reason for concern, there are actions that can be taken to rectify the problem.
Doubleday Field can put in a taller wall to rob homers or humidify the baseballs before the game (as the Colorado Rockies do, who battle the thin air aspect which makes the ball travel farther than normal).
4. Not a small market.
There’s no question as to why MLB has decided to host regular season games in Puerto Rico, Mexico and Japan – those are new markets from which they can draw new fans and to which they can sell more merchandise. Does the same effect not happen in Cooperstown as well?
Of the San Juan games listed at http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/international/index.jsp?feature=games, attendance ranged from 7,436 to 19,264. Doubleday has a capacity of 9,791 and sells out every year. Couple that with the 50,000+ spectators that attended the induction weekend in Cooperstown last year and you have got yourself a crowd of fans just as large and with just as much (or likely more) spending power than the crowds attending games in Puerto Rico, Mexico and Japan. If the MLB decision to play regular season games in Puerto Rico, Japan and Mexico were fueled by economics, there’s no reason the Hall of Fame Game in Cooperstown should not be regarded with the same level of esteem and importance with regard to potential MLB revenue streams.
Of course, to realize such large crowds each year, it might be best to bring back tradition and hold the HoF Game and Induction ceremony on the same weekend. Then again, if the HoF Game were to be counted as a regular season game that was played (all nine innings) by each ball club’s superstars, there will be substantially larger crowds during the HoF Game weekends than we have seen in recent past.


	Letter to the Editor How Can MLB Do This To Cooperstown? To the Editor: This letter was sent to MLB President Bob Dupuy, Donald Fehr of the Baseball Players Association and Baseball Hall of Fame President Dale Petroskey: As a former Cooperstown Central School graduate and Cooperstown resident, and as a fan of Major League Baseball, I am stunned and disheartened by the news that MLB has decided to discontinue their annual Hall of Fame Game. This is a horrible decision that spits in the face of baseball’s great tradition. It is disrespectful to the fans who have supported baseball throughout its many scandals and problems. It is disrespectful to Cooperstown, a small town ill-equipped to handle the large numbers of tourists who pass through it each summer, yet a town that loves its place as the heart of baseball history and heritage. Without the Hall of Fame Game concession sales, my senior class would’ve never been able to take our senior trip to Washington D.C. and I would’ve never been able to meet Hall of Famers like Warren Spahn and Reggie Jackson. Doubleday Field is one of the last fields left in America that hasn’t been replaced by some ugly corporate arena with no history. Along with Wrigley and Fenway, it is the only place where current players can step to the plate and stand where their heroes and idols have stood. Do not underestimate the value and importance of this to today’s players! Please consider the impact your decision has on the fans, the players, local economies, and, most importantly, MLB’s already blemished reputation. The fans have stood through a lot with you. How hard is it to give a little back? CHRISTOPHER BUSSMANN New York City Forget MLB, Try Players Association To the Editor: I’d like to see the Hall of Fame Game go on for the business people, and I guess perhaps for the tradition. The act of attempting to make a person (or organization) do something they don’t want to do is usually a disaster. There are three things wrong with sending the petition to MLB Commissioner Selig. 1. He doesn’t care if the game goes on. Haven’t you heard the BOOS when his name is mentioned at induction – think HE cares what happens here? 2. He is a representative of the owners, who don’t profit a dime from this game, and who see their assets (the millionaire players) at risk. 3. Selig doesn’t communicate with the players. It’s all done through the MLB Players Union. Every current and past player that I have ever spoken to regarding the commissioner dislikes Bud Selig with a passion. I’m sure these things have been discussed at 25 Main Street. But when we petition Selig to do something that he has no interest whatsoever in seeing occur, do you think we have any real support at the HoF? Here’s an alternative: Send the petitions to the Major League Baseball Players Association. Bobby Bonilla would probably be a good contact to address such a petition to. The union could make a big political victory here. I’d recommend the posture of the Players Union deciding to continue the game for "Tradition and Love of the Game" in spite of Selig wanting the game to be killed. Back in the 60’s the gifted poetess Diane DiPrima told us: "Pick your battle grounds well – When you stumble away from the demonstration in Central Park all bloody and tear gassed, where ya gonna go looking for help – Fifth Avenue or Central Park West?" I’m with you spiritually, but I sincerely believe you chose a poor battle ground. STEVE NEWBY Cooperstown Jeff Katz Deserves Reelection To the Editor: Thomas “Tip” O’Neill, longtime Speaker of the House, once declared, “All politics is local.” As we head toward the summer conventions engaged in a national debate focused on the large-scale problems of our country, here in Cooperstown local politics has our more immediate attention. The focal point of the upcoming race for trustees appears to be the issue of paid parking, and Trustee Jeff Katz, who supports the concept, is running for re-election. On Nov. 30 of last year, The Freeman’s Journal characterized Katz as one who “became something of a lightning rod for criticism at a stormy public hearing on the proposed paid-parking plan Monday, Nov. 19”. I attended that meeting and heard the opposition from a variety of residents. I also heard enough misinformation that I decided to write a letter, which appeared in our local papers, trying to set the record straight. Moreover, I was embarrassed at the vitriolic manner in which the four trustees who voted in favor of the proposal were treated, particularly Mr. Katz. Jeff Katz was primarily accused of two sins: not living in Cooperstown long enough (however long that is), and not listening to the citizens of our village. As to the first accusation, Jeff is guilty. He and his family have been here slightly more that five years. However, in that short period, Jeff has dedicated a great deal of his time, effort and considerable intelligence to enhancing life in his new home. He has been on the board and currently serves as co-director and treasurer of the Cooperstown Concert Series. He played a major role working with Jam Productions to bring performers such as Willie Nelson, Herman’s Hermits, the Beach Boys and Bob Dylan to town for summer concerts. In 2005, Jeff turned his attention to village government, and was elected to a seat on the Board of Trustees. As chair of the Doubleday Field Committee, Jeff used his business acumen to identify and analyze untapped sources of income, and one was increasing the fees out-of-town teams pay for use of Doubleday Field. Yes, Jeff Katz has only lived here five years, but in that time he has done more for the village than many of those who have been here seemingly forever. Jeff came here with a wealth of experience. He saw needs and has tried to address them. That brings me to the second accusation; Jeff Katz doesn’t listen to the people. This is as untrue as the myth that everyone who works downtown will have to pay $70 a week for parking. There were several other public meetings regarding the paid-parking issue prior to the 11th-hour gathering on Nov. 19. The opinions expressed at the meetings held at the courthouse were solidly in favor of the proposal. Jeff also listened to those whom he encountered in and about town. And he had listened to the major complaints he had heard since first coming to Cooperstown; the same complaints that have become almost a mantra for locals. Taxes are too high and there’s no place to park during the summer. Using tourist dollars garnered from premium parking spaces to help defray tax increases seems to be a logical step given those two apparent facts. Jeff Katz also listened to the sentiment of those who attended the “stormy public hearing,” despite the rude demand that he “go back to Chicago,” ironically delivered by a native who now lives in Syracuse. Following the meeting the board majority agreed to move very slowly in the implementation of paid parking. Those born here have no monopoly on dedication to Cooperstown. Many of us have gathered useful knowledge from living elsewhere and have brought it with us. Jeff Katz is bright, hard-working, and dedicated to serving this community. We are happy that he and his family live here, and we appreciate what he has contributed so far. Jeff is an exceptional trustee and we urge you to support his bid for a second term. NANCY POTTER DAVID PEARLMAN Cooperstown Meet Jim Vrooman To the Editor: My name is Jim Vrooman and I am running for Cooperstown village trustee. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and let you know who I am. I live on Elm Street with my wife Charlene and our two children, Bryan, 15, and Emily, 9. We moved to Cooperstown three years ago from New Hampshire to pursue our dream of owning and running a bed & breakfast, purchasing the 1805 Phinney House B&B Inn on Elm Street. Cooperstown had been our family vacation spot for several years before we decided to move to this wonderful village. We chose Cooperstown for its beauty, history, quaint village and strong sense of community. I have worked in the printing industry for 16 years as an Operations Manager and PLC Programmer at Polaroid and Presstek. As a manager, I have prided myself as a good listener with strong communication skills. In the three years I have lived in Cooperstown I have been a member of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce serving on the Pumpkinfest Committee, Christmas Committee, and Easter Committee. Charlene and I have also founded and co-chair the Village Pride Committee. We are currently in phase one which is Main Street beautification. I am working with Cooperstown Elementary School to sponsor the first Festival of Children’s Authors and Illustrators this spring. I have always been involved as a parent volunteer both in New Hampshire and at the Cooperstown Central School. As a village trustee, I will listen to the village residents’ concerns and issues and have a positive voice for responsible decision making. I will look to optimize the tourist dollars to repair village infrastructure. I will work toward ensuring the safety of our village neighborhoods, especially during peak tourist season. I look forward to the opportunity of working with you and welcome all discussions. Please feel free to contact me at 547-2483 or phinneyhouse@verizon.net. JIM VROOMAN Cooperstown Farmers’ Market Thanks Patrons To the Editor: On behalf of Otsego 2000, I would like to thank everyone who shopped, sold, socialized or harmonized at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market. Thirty-seven growers, producers, crafters, and artisans offered up their wares in the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market this past season, rain (snow) or shine, and we hope to welcome back an equal number, at least, in 2008. The market is on hiatus until Mother’s Day weekend, when we reopen on May 10. Our customers value the direct connection between producer and consumer that lies at the heart of our market. Otsego 2000 values the many market vendors, performers, shoppers, supporters and staff who have made the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market a continued success, and such a pleasure. DARLA M. YOUNGS Associate Director Otsego 2000 POEM TO THE EDITOR Quality of Life Quality of life is having an Indian dinner at the Fly Creek Methodist Church. Quality of life is looking out over Lake Otsego on a brooding, misty day. Quality of life is swimming in the lake on warm summer day. Quality of life is walking into the village every day to buy a newspaper. Quality of life is bumping into friends at the Clark Sports Center. Quality of life is hearing Jim Atwell read his stories. Quality of life is that rare glimpse of sunlight on a winter day. Quality of life is having breakfast at the Cooperstown Diner with friends. Quality of life is meeting a friend and complaining about the weather. Quality of life is gazing up into snowy, stark hills on a cold winter day. Quality of life is attending the annual fiddlers concert. Quality of life is hearing coyotes yipping and seeing the Milky Way on a dark night. Quality of life is going to a rowdy village meeting. Quality of life is knowing the village police are always there to help you. Quality is having a wonderful hospital within biking distance. CHARLES J. HUDSON Cooperstown Opinion Make HoF Game Part of Regular MLB Schedule Editor’s Note: This is a letter from Jason Bernhardt, Richfield Springs Mercury associate publisher, to the Otsego County Board of Representatives and the Baseball of Fame and Major League Baseball leadership. Good morning. This is regarding news reports on Otsego County Board of Directors’ desire to contact MLB in an effort to reinstate the Hall of Fame game in Cooperstown. I wanted to take a moment this morning to offer my best wishes in your attempt and to offer my two cents on the subject. I think it would be a crime not to continue bringing MLB teams to Cooperstown every year. 1. Change the HoF Game from an exhibition to a regular season game. I understand MLB’s decision to stop supporting the Hall of Fame Game – it is an exhibition game and these players with multi-million dollar contracts are subjected to potentially getting hurt in a game that takes place during the season but doesn’t count for anything. This is the same reason you no longer hear about MLB clubs playing annual, regular season exhibition games against their minor league AAA affiliates. Unless the MLB is simply interested in turning its back on Cooperstown, it should re-think the exhibition status and consider holding the HoF Game as an actual regular season game that counts for both teams’ records. By doing so, the teams get to come out and support the very town and museum they play so hard to get into, all while maintaining their regular season schedule. This would not only give MLB teams a reason to play their stars, it would also draw much larger crowds in Cooperstown. For the average spectator, it’s hard to commit to a weekend trip to Cooperstown even when you know your favorite team is coming because the team’s all-star(s) either won’t be there, or if so, they’ll be leaving after one inning. In fact, MLB could even make a weekend out of it and have teams play in a two- or three-game series at Doubleday. Think of all the other money-making events that could be held throughout an entire weekend that feature visiting players and managers. 2. Not setting a new precedent. Having a regular season game played in a non-MLB team city would not be unprecedented. In 2004, the season opened with a series between the Yankees and Devil Rays played in Tokyo, Japan. Visit http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/international/index.jsp?feature=games for a list of approximately 50 other regular season games that were played since 1996 in non-MLB team cities (namely Puerto Rico, Japan and Mexico). If MLB has already proven that regular season games can be played in non-MLB team cities, then why would they blackball the most influential baseball town in the world from being able to do what was done in Mexico, Puerto Rico and Japan? 3. Field not too small to host a game that counts. Some people might challenge Doubleday Field as being a suitable location to hold a regular season game, citing the field dimensions as being too shallow. The same critics think there would be too many HRs hit and it could skew the teams’ and players’ regular season stats. I disagree. The Doubleday dimensions are: Left field: 296 feet Left-center field: 336 feet Center field: 390 feet Right-center field: 350 feet Right field: 312 feet With the exception of left field, the Doubleday dimensions are sufficient when compared to the rest of the MLB stadiums. Just look at the dimensions of the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, where there’s not much of a difference: Left Field - 328 feet Left-Center - 379 feet Center Field - 404 feet Right-Center - 370 feet Right Field - 325 feet If the left field dimensions truly are reason for concern, there are actions that can be taken to rectify the problem. Doubleday Field can put in a taller wall to rob homers or humidify the baseballs before the game (as the Colorado Rockies do, who battle the thin air aspect which makes the ball travel farther than normal). 4. Not a small market. There’s no question as to why MLB has decided to host regular season games in Puerto Rico, Mexico and Japan – those are new markets from which they can draw new fans and to which they can sell more merchandise. Does the same effect not happen in Cooperstown as well? Of the San Juan games listed at http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/international/index.jsp?feature=games, attendance ranged from 7,436 to 19,264. Doubleday has a capacity of 9,791 and sells out every year. Couple that with the 50,000+ spectators that attended the induction weekend in Cooperstown last year and you have got yourself a crowd of fans just as large and with just as much (or likely more) spending power than the crowds attending games in Puerto Rico, Mexico and Japan. If the MLB decision to play regular season games in Puerto Rico, Japan and Mexico were fueled by economics, there’s no reason the Hall of Fame Game in Cooperstown should not be regarded with the same level of esteem and importance with regard to potential MLB revenue streams. Of course, to realize such large crowds each year, it might be best to bring back tradition and hold the HoF Game and Induction ceremony on the same weekend. Then again, if the HoF Game were to be counted as a regular season game that was played (all nine innings) by each ball club’s superstars, there will be substantially larger crowds during the HoF Game weekends than we have seen in recent past. \| Letters- Nov. 23, 2007 \| Letters- Dec. 14, 2007 \| Letters- Dec.21, 2007 \| Letters- Jan. 04, 2007 \| Letters- Feb.1, 2008 \| Letters- Feb. 15, 2008 \| Letters- Feb.22, 2008 \| Letters- Feb,29, 2008 \| \| Our Services \| Contact Us \| Great Links \| Return Home \| Classified Ads \| News Archive \| Cooperstown Homes \| Calendar -Best Bets \| Letters to the Editor \|