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July 9, 2009

Induction plans taking shape; 52 Hall of Famers to return

In just a couple of weeks, all eyes of the baseball world will once again turn to Cooperstown for Hall of Fame Weekend 2009.

A full slate of family events, baseball entertainment, and exclusive opportunities complements the weekend, which is July 24-27.

As of July 2, 49 Hall of Fame members are scheduled to return to honor the Class of 2009 at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, including former Boston red Sox slugger Carl Yastrzemski, who hasn’t been to an induction since 2000.

Yaz, as he was called during his playing days, will be in Cooperstown to support one of his former teammates, Jim Rice, one of this year’s inductees.

Rice replaced Yaz in left field, and Yastrzemski had replaced the legendary Ted Williams. Rice’s election gave the Red Sox three straight Hall of Fame left fielders.

The annual Induction Ceremony will be held Sunday, July 26, at 1:30 p.m. at the Clark Sports Center, located about a mile from the Museum.

Two electees emerged from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America vote in January û alltime runs and stolen bases king Rickey Henderson, and longtime Red Sox slugger Jim Rice.

Henderson was named on 94.8 percent of ballots cast on his first try on the BBWAA ballot, becoming the 44th person in his first year of eligibility elected by the BBWAA.

Henderson was listed on 511 ballots, the third-highest total of all time.

Rice was named on 76.4 percent of ballots — gaining election by seven votes in his last year of BBWAA eligibility. Rice was named on 412 ballots to become just the fourth player elected by the BBWAA in their final try on the ballot.

The December 2008 Veterans Committee election produced one electee for induction on July 26: Former Yankees and Indians second baseman Joe Gordon, who is deceased. Gordon, who was a part of five World Series-winning teams in his 11 seasons and was named to nine All-Star Games, received 83.3 percent of the vote after being named on 10 of a possible 12 ballots.

Additionally, the Hall of Fame will recognize the longtime analyst for NBC Sports, the Blue Jays and the Yankees, Tony Kubek, with the 2009 Ford C. Frick Award for major contributions to baseball broadcasting.

Nick Peters, who covered the San Francisco Giants from 1961-2007, will be honored with the 2009 J.G. Taylor Spink award for meritorious contributions to baseball writing, presented by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

The Induction Ceremony will be shown live on MLB Network, which is available in more than 50 million homes nationwide.

Veteran baseball announcer George Grande, who has called games for ESPN, the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals and currently the Cincinnati Reds, will return as master of ceremonies. This will be Grande’s 29th year serving as master of ceremonies for Induction Weekend.

Unless severe weather forces its cancellation, the Ceremony will take place on the grounds outside of the Clark Sports Center, which is located on lower Susquehanna Avenue. Just one mile south of the Hall of Fame, the short walk provides a picturesque view of the homes of Cooperstown. Please note that professional interpreters will be provided for the hearing impaired.

The event will be held outdoors unless severe weather forces the cancellation of the ceremony. The Ceremony is expected to last two-to-three hours. Seating for the event is unlimited and free of charge. A blanket or lawn chair is recommended for comfortable viewing.

As the weather in Cooperstown can be quite warm in July, it is recommended that visitors bring a cap and sunscreen. Ball caps, Yearbooks and Museum membership packages are available for purchase at the Induction site. Refreshments are sold at the site and water is provided complimentary to visitors.

As of July 8, 52 Hall of Fame members are expected to attend Hall of Fame Weekend to welcome the 2009 class.

Included in the group are fan favorites Hank Aaron and Willie Mays.

Also: Sparky Anderson, Bob Feller, Al Kaline, Eddie Murray, Ozzie Smith, Yogi Berra, Rollie Fingers, Harmon Killebrew, Phil Niekro, Bruce Sutter, Wade Boggs, Carlton Fisk, Ralph Kiner, Tony Perez, Don Sutton, George Brett, Johnny Bench, Whitey Ford, Lee MacPhail, Gaylord Perry, Earl Weaver, Jim Bunning, Bob Gibson, Juan Marichal, Robin Roberts, Billy Williams, Rod Carew, Goose Gossage, Don Sutton, Brooks Robinson, Dick Williams, Steve Carlton, Tony Gwynn, Bill Mazeroski, Frank Robinson, Dave Winfield, Gary Carter, Monte Irvin, Willie Mc- Covey, Ryne Sandberg, Carl Yastrzemski, Orlando Cepeda, Reggie Jackson, Paul Molitor, Mike Schmidt, Robin Yount, Dennis Eckersley, Fergie Jenkins, Joe Morgan, and Tom Seaver.

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