By P.J. Harmer
Staff Writer
It appears the National Baseball Hall of Fame Classic is a keeper.
The Cooperstown-based shrine announced Monday that the second Classic will be held during Father's Day Weekend, and this year the legends-style game will include seven Hall of Famers, up from five a year ago.
The game will also feature 20 retired major leaguers. The full rosters will be announced around opening day in April, Hall President Jeff Idelson said.
The Hall will hold events throughout the weekend of June 18-20, with the seven-inning classic being held June 20. Pre-game festivities are scheduled to start at 1 p.m., with the game to follow.
"We thought about the concept of the game long before we decided to stage it last year," Idelson said. "The initial fan reaction was outstanding. ... If it continues to grow like we hope it will, the sky is the limit."
The Classic joined the Hall's roster last year after Major League Baseball canceled its participation in the annual Hall of Fame Game in 2008. The final game _ between the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres _ was rained out that year.
MLB cited scheduling difficulties and ended the game, which started in 1940.
"The game was a success, and it was something we could build on," said Idelson, who added players and fans had fun during the seven-inning exhibition that involved a lot of interaction between players and the crowd of 7,069 fans.
Tickets for the Classic will be available at 9 a.m. March 20, with a walk-up sale at the Hall. Tickets are $12.50 for first- and third-base seats and $11 for outfield seats.
The Hall also announced individuals can purchase up to eight tickets.
Idelson said starting pitchers haven't been chosen yet, but the choice seems easy as last year's starting pitchers _ 91-year-old Bob Feller and 70-year-old Phil Niekro _ are each returning.
Niekro pitched an inning in last year's game, and Feller faced three batters before giving way to Ferguson Jenkins.
"I know I'll be ready," said Niekro, who joined the media conference via phone Monday. "Bob did well last year, but I think he was over his pitch count. I think he reached eight pitches."
Said Idelson with a laugh: "We'll have to see what the guys look like."
Niekro said he's been throwing and has hit 81 mph on his fastball _ with the wind at his back.
He likely wouldn't have to rely on his fastball anyway, as Niekro is known for his knuckleball.
"I have no problem with the knuckleball," he said. "Depending on the wind, I could get it to 84-85. I'll be throwing knuckles and goo-goo balls and whatever else I can throw."
Two Hall of Fame closers are also on the roster this year as Idelson said the Hall was looking to solidify the bullpen.
Rollie Fingers and Rich "Goose" Gossage, who played six seasons with the New York Yankees, will be part of the game. The two saved a combined 651 games.
Gary Carter, a Hall of Fame catcher with the Montreal Expos and New York Mets, is also scheduled to take part.
"In Carter and Gossage, you bring some New York personality," Idelson said. "That's important because we're based in New York."
Rounding out the Hall of Famers are two power-hitting corner infielders in first baseman Harmon Killebrew and third baseman Mike Schmidt. Combined, the two played 40 seasons and hit 1,121 home runs.
Idelson said there was a lot of interest for the game among Hall of Famers.
"It's contagious," he said. "The first year through, no one knows what to expect. For a Hall of Famer to put on a uniform after a few years, I'm sure to some it's daunting. The reaction this year is they wanted to be a part of it. We had other guys who wanted to be a part of it, but we had to make a decision."
Niekro said playing in the game is a good time, but there is so much more to being involved with the Classic.
"We only pitched a few pitches or innings," said Niekro, who joined fellow Hall of Famers Feller, Jenkins, Brooks Robinson, and Paul Molitor at last year's game. "But I had the chance to go in the stands in my uniform, meet fans, sign autographs and talk to kids and parents. You can see the thrill and connect by telling stories."
Niekro said he also thinks the game will attract more fans this year.
"I wish I had a chance to see this when I was a kid," he said. "To go play catch and get some autographs. I'm looking for a capacity fill this year."
The pre-game festivities will begin aat about 1 p.m. with a hitting contest. The seven-inning game will follow. Because Doubleday Field's parking lot didn't work well for it, the formal autograph session has been eliminated this year. However, Idelson said, players will sign autographs before and after the game on the field.
Some of the events Saturday include the parent/child catch at Doubleday field; the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association skills clinic; and a members-only Voices of the Game event.
Idelson also announced a golf tournament for Saturday, which would include six of the seven Hall of Famers. Feller doesn't play golf, Idelson said.
The tournament, which serves as a fundraiser for the Hall's educational programs, will be open to 24 fans.
For information on this event, call 607-547-0310.
P.J. Harmer can be reached at pharmer@thedailystar.com or 607-432-1000, ext. 229.
