Baseball HoF Classic changes date

Dick Williams, left, former Yankee Goose Gossage, centre and former St Louis Cardinal Ozzie Smith await the start of last year's Hall of Fame Classic baseball game at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, NY. (AP Photo/Steve Jacobs)

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January 30, 2012, 6:01 pm

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- The Hall of Fame Classic is moving to a new date -- the Saturday before Father's Day.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum says the timing is a better fit for families. The first three Classics were held on Father's Day, and crowds at Doubleday Field have decreased somewhat since the first drew a near sellout.

So far, six Hall of Famers are slated to take part in the seven-inning legends game on June 16, which will also feature 20 other retired major league stars. Hall of Famers Phil Niekro and Ozzie Smith will return as team captains.

Other activities planned for Classic weekend include a Hall of Fame golf tournament fundraiser for the museum, a youth skills clinic, and a special "Voices of the Game" program.