The Hall of Fame Class of 2020, led by New York Yankees’ shortstop Derek Jeter, couldn’t enjoy an induction ceremony last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, fans who want to see their idols immortalized will have their chance to do it in person this year.
Jane Forbes Clark, the Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, announced today that this summer’s Induction Ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Sept. 8. According to a note published in the Baseball Hall of Fame website, the event will be ‘in front of limited crowds as an outdoor ticketed event’.
For those who want to see it in TV, the ceremony will be broadcast live exclusively on MLB Network.
The Yankees’ longtime shortstop is set for immortality
The Yankees’ legendary shortstop was elected to the Hall in early 2020, and was a vote shy of unanimity. Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker will also be inducted to the Hall this summer as part of the 2020 class. No players were selected in 2021.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors and our Staff, we are thrilled to be able to welcome our Hall of Famers – the living legends – and fans back to Cooperstown to celebrate the Induction of the Class of 2020,†Clark said. “Returning the Induction Ceremony to an outdoor event will provide the baseball community with the opportunity to visit Cooperstown and celebrate the Induction of four of the game’s Greats.â€
In the past, lawn seating was unrestricted, but this time it will require tickets. Those tickets will be made available starting on July 12.
Roughly 55,000 fans attended the 2019 induction ceremony, but that is unrealistic under the current COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent health and safety guidelines.
Yankees fans who want to see Jeter, a five-time World Series champion with the Bombers, enter the Hall of Fame right at the venue will have their opportunity.