Derek Jeter's Hall of Fame induction on hold as Cooperstown cancels 2020 ceremony
Derek Jeter and the other members of the 2020 Baseball Hall of Fame class will have to wait another year before taking the stage in Cooperstown.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced Wednesday that its board of directors voted unanimously to cancel the 2020 Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the surrounding events scheduled for July 24-27 due to health and safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result, the 2020 class will now be honored alongside the 2021 class next July.
Here’s the official statement from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum:
“Induction Weekend is a celebration of our National Pastime and its greatest legends, and while we are disappointed to cancel this incredibly special event, the Board of Directors’ overriding concern is the health and well-being of our new inductees, our Hall of Fame members, our wonderful fans and the hundreds of staff it takes to present the weekend’s events in all of its many facets,” said Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “We care deeply about every single person who visits Cooperstown.”
“In heeding the advice of government officials as well as federal, state and local medical and scientific experts, we chose to act with extraordinary caution in making this decision,” Clark continued. “The Board of Directors has decided that the Class of 2020 will be inducted and the 2020 Award Winners will be honored as part of next summer’s Hall of Fame Weekend, taking place July 23-26, 2021.”
Derek Jeter reacts
A large crowd was expected this summer with Derek Jeter serving as the headliner. The legendary New York Yankees shortstop and current Miami Marlins owner was one vote short of becoming the second player unanimously elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame will be an incredible honor, but the health and safety of everyone involved are paramount,” Derek Jeter said of the decision. “I respect and support the decision to postpone this year’s enshrinement and am looking forward to joining current Hall of Famers, fans, staff and my family and friends in Cooperstown in 2021.”
Larry Walker, Ted Simmons and Marvin Miller, who served as executive director of the MLBPA for 17 years, were to be inducted alongside Jeter.
Who could join them in 2021?
The 2021 induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 25, 2021. It could prove to be a massive event if the Baseball Writers Association of America and the Golden Era veteran’s committee add to the lineup this winter.
Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Curt Schilling are the biggest names remaining on the writer’s ballot. Each has struggled to gain the support of voters due to past controversies and will be entering the ninth of 10 years on the ballot.
A player needs 75 percent to be elected. Schilling topped the group with 70 percent of the vote this season, indicating that his election could be near. Clemens received 61 percent while Bonds finished with 60.7 percent. The next vote will give us a clear look at each player’s chances of getting in.
Though it’s clearly a long shot, just imagine a ceremony involving Jeter, Schilling, Bonds and Clemens.
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