Induction Day 2007

Cooperstown, New York

July 29, 2007

It is the dream of every ballplayer: to one day be up on the podium at Cooperstown, looking down over a crowd of family, friends, and living baseball legends, and finally know that you have reached the pinnacle of America's pastime. Two men they had the opportunity to live this dream this year, Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr.  These two became baseball immortals as they entered the Hall of Fame.  Their legacies will live on as long as their golden plaques hang within the Hall.

Each year since 1982 a  press pin has been issued  by the National Baseball Hall of Fame to commemorate the induction of its newest members.  The induction pin  is usually numbered and  highly sought after by collectors.  The pin features the last names of the inductees. Each pin design is usually quite unique and original.

Earlier pins were much more limited. In 1982 less than 1,000 induction press pins were issued.  Today, the induction press pins are more common and plentiful.  In 1999 at least 3500 or more pins were issued.  Collectors should not worry. These pins are still coveted.

This pin is a interesting conversation piece. The two 2007 National Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees whose surnames grace this pin are true baseball originals. It is clearly evident the loyalty and respect each of these men have for their respective teams and their fans. which is quite typically rare and uncommon among today’s  free agent  players. Mr. Tony Gwynn played his entire major league career for the San Diego Padres (1982-2001) while fellow inductee Mr. Cal Ripken Jr. spent his entire playing career with the Baltimore Orioles (1981-2001).  Mr. Gwynn won 8 NL batting titles and was a member of the San Diego Padres 1984 and 1998 National League Championship Teams.  Mr. Ripken, Baseball’s Iron-Man who played in a record 2,632 consecutive games was also a member of the 1983 World Championship Baltimore Orioles Team.

5500 Induction pins were issued.

Congratulations to the Class of 2007.

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