A Hall For Heroes: The Inaugural Hall of Fame Induction of 1939

As the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates 85 years in 2024, we turn back the clock to the grand opening and first induction ceremony on June 12, 1939. Four classes representing the greatest collection of baseball talent ever assembled were on hand to celebrate the sport's centennial, in turn adding a new tradition to the storied fabric of our game. Learn more about the men, myths and legends that put the best-known sports shrine in the world on the map in Cooperstown.

(Copyright 2010/Major League Baseball Productions and MLB Network)

[TimothyCorum]

The only regret I have is I would have absolutely loved having my Great Uncle Bert which took me in as his son. He would have told me so many stories from what he remembered listening to. Thank you for such a great place to appreciate baseball.

[sheafan]

I loved visiting the Hall in 1993 and two days in a row in 2023. I loved every minute.

[tkid]

I wa lucky to meet Homer Osterhoudt in Cooperstown back in 2013. Had lunch with him, he showed me, my brother, and dad some great photos (even made copies for me) then we went to watch the Red Sox vs Cardianls WS game at the Hall. Great memory

[danacoleman]

I've loved baseball for as long as I can remember.

[Steve-gxot]

One of BEST youtube videos I have seen!!
Mem I ries!
Like a Time Machine.
Many Greats I heard and read about on Film and Speaking!
Tears to my eyes!!!

[Doug]

22:54 baseball's best commissioner
23:32 baseball's commemorative stamp
25:01 the hall of fame's first and best class of inductees
26:05 the thirteen pioneers
36:08 "...to all Americans"

[TheBatugan]

I remember walking down Main Street talking with Mickey Mantle. Someone pointed at us and said, "Say... who's that with The Batugan?" 😮

[TheBatugan]

Cy Young straddled the turn of the century, that's why he had to wait a year.
Cy went 286-169 (1890-1900)...
And
225-146 (1901-1911).
Je should have gotten TWO PLAQUES!

[AntonioMendez-mz]

Carlos Beltron needs to be in the hall great athlete😃

[Doug]

26:05 It's rare to have an audio recording of the great Commissioner Landis

[gregb]

As long as Joe Jackson and Pete Rose are not in the HOF, the place is a joke.

[AntonioMendez-mz]

Yeah Pete Rose I watched him as kid wow no player like him invented the head first slide 😅

[GeorgeYoung-corr]

But now it's the hall of good not great players. It .used to be great players .now it's he was good but not great 😢

[scottfarmer]

As impressive as the Baseball Hall of Fame is, I think the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton Ohio is better! But that's just my opinion.