I've tried to jostle the memories of many through this column. Today I share a few special ones I've been fortunate to experience.
Eleven years ago (seems like yesterday), I was part of a group of young baseball players and coaches who journeyed to the Cooperstown Dreams' Park, to play in a week-long tournament with teams from across the United States and Canada. Little did I know then, it wouldn't just be a one-time experience for me and my son, that it would repeat and "threepeat."
I stumbled upon the Dreams' Park when my family and I were traveling to Cooperstown to vacation and visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame. As we drove along I noticed this "baseball world" with 10 diamonds, numerous banners, and tents. I hit the brakes and veered into the parking lot to see what was happening.
We got out and walked around. I told my wife and nine-year old son that we needed to go home, put a team together, and try and experience this next year. There were 10 games going on at once. There were hundreds of uniformed players playing, or waiting to play on one of the beautifully groomed mini-stadium fields. We saw thousands of fans enjoying every bit of being there. I found the Dreams' Park Office, spoke to a representative and grabbed brochures/forms, so I could learn as much as possible about this experience.
Upon returning to Jamestown, I made calls, sharing information with fellow coaches, asking if they thought we could do this. Upon agreement, I drafted letters, scheduled meetings, and found twelve players (and parents) who agreed to commit to fundraise, practice, and prepare to compete at the Dreams' Park. We applied and were accepted (NOT a sure thing). At that time, 48 teams per week were accepted during the 10-week program. The popularity of the experience made for a long list of teams competing/hoping for selection. (I've been told it's DOUBLED in size, (10 to 20 fields, 48 to 96 teams per week.) Anyway, we were in and the wheels were turning.
We first approached Denny Lundberg (Jock Shop/Jamestown Cycle Shop). He agreed to donate money in support. They became our primary sponsor, our partner (a partnership I was be proud to be a part of two years after that in Cooperstown, and six years after that with a travel team I coached.) With their sponsorship, we became the Jamestown Jock Shop Cooperstown Kids, holding the record for the longest name in Dreams' Park history.
As we prepared, we found out the Baseball Hall of Fame induction was scheduled two days after our tournament ended. That year's inductees included Nolan Ryan, George Brett, and Robin Yount. Seeing that lineup, I began seeking accommodations so we could stay and witness the ceremonies. Finding no hotels or rooms, I sent letters to Cooperstown area schools inquiring if we might sleep in their gymnasium and use their locker rooms to shower. The Milford School District accommodated us at no charge. We were good to go.
We raised money, practiced daily, played games against local teams, met with parents, and finally our day of departure arrived. We drove five hours to the Dreams' Park. Upon arrival, we registered, found our barracks, and after a coaches' meeting, went over rules and the weekly schedule.
After team pictures were taken (still available on the Dreams' Park website), we prepared for opening ceremonies. Then, we headed back to the barracks and bedded down for the night. The next six days featured games against teams from Florida, Virginia, Canada, Ohio, Illinois, and Massachusetts. We met kids/coaches from all over as we walked through the Barracks Village, opened only to players and coaches. It was a blast!!
After the games were done (0-8 record, though you wouldn't know it), we participated in closing ceremonies, where we all received American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame Rings and were inducted into that organization.
We departed the Dreams' Park, headed to Milford, settled in, then went into Cooperstown and met Hall of Famers on every corner. I took Jon's picture with Yogi Berra, Bob Gibson, Gaylord Perry, and Bob Feller. We also saw superstars, Fergie Jenkins, Pete Rose, Enos Slaughter, and Clete Boyer. We attended the induction where 26 Hall of Famers were present (most in the history of the event.) The roster included Williams, Musial, Brock, Mays, and Banks. It was a baseball lover's thrill.
Jon and I were lucky to have shared the Dreams' Park experience twice more (won a few games), though the National Induction did not coincide with those weeks. I reflect on those three years, still wearing the rings I was presented, recalling three absolutely awesome experiences. Thanks to the players/coaches (especially Jon) of those teams for taking those unforgettable rides with me. The memories will never be forgotten.