Pro baseball is returning to Doubleday Field, as the Rockland Boulders (independent; Can-Am League) are hosting the New Jersey Jackals in the first-ever Cooperstown Can-Am Classic.
It’s been 2009 since pro baseball was played at Doubleday Field, although summer-collegiate ball has been played there in the interval. Still, it’s great to see pro baseball return to the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Doubleday Field, a quaint little ballpark fitting perfectly in the Cooperstown experience.
“We targeted Cooperstown to play a game because it is just that; Cooperstown,” said Ken Lehner, Boulders Team President. “From the history, to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, to Doubleday Field, it is the epitome of baseball. July 17, 2015 will be one of the most memorable days in the history of the Rockland Boulders organization for our players, our fans, and our corporate partners.”
Doubleday Field was built in 1920 and for almost 70 years hosted an annual showcase of Major League talent in the annual Hall of Fame Game. From 1940 to 2008, two MLB teams would play one another during Hall of Fame induction weekend before the yearly ritual ended in 2008 when the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres had their contest rained out.
However, professional baseball continued into the following season with the Cooperstown Classic, a matchup of minor league teams from the International League. The Oneonta Yankees, of the New York-Penn League, played one game a year at Doubleday Field before the team moved to Connecticut in 2010. The final Cooperstown Classic saw the Pawtucket Red Sox defeat the Syracuse Chiefs 15-3 on June 14, 2009.
“What a great day this is for the Boulders,” said Rockland manager Jamie Keefe. “A chance to play at Doubleday Field and visit the Hall of Fame of our National Pastime. As a fan, staff member, coach or player this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”