"Cubs" Play in Final Hall of Fame Game

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jun 16, 2008 2:01PM

This afternoon, the Cubs and San Diego Padres face off in the final Hall of Fame Game -- an exhibition held annually since 1940 at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York.

MLB President and Chief Operating Officer Bob DuPuy explained the reason for ending the game:

Given the complexities of the Major League schedule and all its inherent challenges, it has become increasingly difficult in recent years to find a suitable date and make the proper arrangements for two clubs to participate in the Hall of Fame Game during the regular season,

Perhaps the way teams no longer look at the invite as an honor helped kill the game, too. Whereas the great Ted Williams hit two homers in the inaugural Hall of Fame Game against the Cubs, this year's "Cubs" roster will look much more like the Peoria Chiefs' lineup. That's because the Cubs will suit up 16 single-A players for the game in order to give the big leaguers a rest on what should be a scheduled off day.

One baseball fan isn't willing to see the game fade away, however. Kristian Connolly has set up savethefamegame.com to try and convince fans and MLB that the game needs to continue.

Chicagoist understands the issues that teams have with the current iteration of the game. But since it's not even played during the Hall of Fame induction weekend, why not move the game and/or make it a game that counts in the standings? Perhaps play it on Opening Day, or the final game of the season? Or have two teams play an entire series in Cooperstown? If MLB can send teams to play regular seasons in Japan, why can't they play them in the birthplace of baseball?

Photo via Wikipedia