Baseball Round-Tripper
Just in time for Opening Day of the Major League Baseball season on April 7, a trio of baseball-oriented destinations in New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland have organized the ultimate road trip for travelers who are ready to get out of their dugouts this year for a long-overdue “away game,” whether their roster includes kids, a significant other, or a favorite friend.
The “Round-Tripper” is a baseball-themed triple play that encourages visitors to follow the path of the Susquehanna River as it winds its way along a 444-mile path, beginning, passing through and ending in three of the most baseball-centric places in America: Cooperstown, New York, the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania, and Harford County, Maryland.
Driving from Harford County, Maryland to Cooperstown, New York (this tour can also be completed in reverse order)
Batter Up: Harford County
Distance to Williamsport, PA: 150 miles
Tydings Park, 908 S Washington Street, Havre De Grace, MD 21078
Ernest Burke, born June 26, 1924, grew up in Havre de Grace and became one of the Marine Corps’ first Black enlistees. He began playing baseball as a member of the Marine Baseball team while stationed in Hawaii and in 1947 joined The Baltimore Elite Giants, part of the Negro Leagues, as a walk-on pitcher. Burke played for the Elites for two years. In 1949 he joined the Poughkeepsie-Kingston team in western New York as a pitcher, outfielder and third baseman. In 1950 and 1951, the left-handed hitter/right-handed pitcher played for St. Jean in the Canadian Provincial League. After baseball, he returned home to Maryland to work as a heavy equipment tester. A life-size clay model of Burke was erected in downtown Havre de Grace in June 2021; it was created by Austen Brantley, an African-American sculptor.
Distance to Aberdeen: 18-minute drive
Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
*IronBirds Game at Ripken Stadium
873 Long Drive, Aberdeen, MD 21001
Ripken Stadium is the home of the Minor League Aberdeen IronBirds, an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles in the High A East division. The team is owned by retired Baltimore Oriole and Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., who purchased what was formerly known as the Utica Blue Sox and moved them to his hometown of Aberdeen in time for the 2002 season. The name “IronBirds” was chosen because of Ripken's “Ironman” streak of 2,632 consecutive games played with the Orioles, which go by the nickname “The Birds.” The team’s logo features a silver airplane marked with Ripken's familiar number 8, with the plane being a reference to the Aberdeen Proving Ground U.S. Army installation nearby.
Estimated Time: Varies
873 Long Drive, Aberdeen, MD 21001
Located in the hometown of the Ripkens – Cal Sr. (a player, scout, coach and manager), Cal Jr. (Baseball Hall of Famer) and Bill (an infielder-turned-sports radio host) – The Ripken Experience Aberdeen treats young players like Big Leaguers as they play games in stadiums that are replicas of some of the most notable Major League ballparks of the modern era, from the ivy at Wrigley Field to the Green Monster of Fenway Park. Of course, the local favorite is a two-thirds scale replica of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, where Cal Jr. made history. (Fun fact: At the Orioles’ previous home, Memorial Stadium, the Ripkens made sports history of a different kind on July 11, 1987 – Bill’s Major League debut – when a father managed his two sons playing in the same game at the same time during a Major League Baseball game for the first time ever.)
Distance to Street: 33-minute drive
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
3418 Conowingo Road, Street, MD 21154
The land the BallPark Restaurant is built on was once a baseball field used by the Susquehanna Semi-Professional Baseball League. The restaurant opened in 1948 and changed hands a few times until July of 1989, when Joy Frederick purchased it. While Frederick was the owner, she kept the spirit of baseball alive by lining the walls with baseball memorabilia. She also personalized the BallPark with homemade traditional foods and multiple additions to the building. In 2014, the current owner, Joe Weiman, Frederick’s son and an employee of 25 years, took over and keeps the baseball love alive.
Distance to Williamsport: 3-hour drive
Tourism Office Contact
Matthew Scales
443-752-6926
Option 1 to Williamsport
Distance to Binghamton: 82 miles
525 Montgomery Pike (U.S. 15), South Williamsport, PA 17702
The mission of the World of Little League: Peter J. McGovern Museum and Official Store is to inform and educate visitors about the history, service, goals and initiatives of Little League Baseball and Softball. The museum obtains and curates artifacts and archival materials from the world’s largest organized youth sports program and presents them in a way that’s both informative and entertaining. Hundreds of these artifacts are on display and the museum’s exhibits, and thousands more are curated in the archives.
Distance from Corning: 1-hour drive
Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours
*Williamsport Crosscutters Game
1700 W. 4th Street, Williamsport, PA 17701
Historic Bowman Field, the second oldest Minor League Baseball park in the United States, is a must-visit for fans of the game. It’s now home to the Williamsport Crosscutters, a collegiate summer baseball team of the MLB Draft League. Serving as a showcase for draft-eligible players, these games allow spectators to watch up-and-coming stars as they’re moving up the professional ranks. You can find a schedule of the Crosscutters’ 2022 games HERE.
Distance from Little League Museum: 20- to 25-minute drive
Estimated Time: Varies
*Binghamton Rumble Ponies Game
211 Henry Street, Binghamton, NY 13901
The Rumble Ponies are a Minor League Baseball team based in Binghamton, New York. The team is the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets. The Rumble Ponies play in Mirabito Stadium and you can find their 2022 schedule HERE.
Distance from Cooperstown: 1.5-hour drive
Estimated Time: Varies
1 Museum Way, Corning, NY 14830
From children looking for an adventure to artists looking for inspiration, the world's largest glass museum offers the opportunity to browse 3,500 years of glassmaking history in its galleries. The collection includes decorative glass bats that illustrate the bridge between creativity and sportsmanship … and which can be purchased as a unique souvenir.
Distance from Binghamton: 1.5-hour drive
Estimated Time: 2 hours minimum (longer with glass demonstration, class or onsite meal)
Option 2 to Williamsport
Distance to Binghamton: 82 miles
*Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Game and the Electric City Trolley Museum
PNC Field: 235 Montage Mountain Road, Moosic, PA 18507
Trolley Museum: 300 Cliff Street, Scranton, PA 18503
Throughout the regular season, baseball fans can take in a game at PNC Field, home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the AAA affiliate of the New York Yankees. On select dates, they can take one of the restored trolleys from the Electric City Trolley Museum in downtown Scranton to the park, enjoy a home game at the state-of-the-art PNC Field, then head back into town with a return ride on the popular trolley.
Distance from Factoryville to Scranton: 30- to 45-minute drive
Distance from Factoryville to PNC Field: 45- to 60-minute drive
Estimated Time (including trolley ride): 30-minute museum tour, 30-minute one-way trolley ride to game, game times vary, 30-minute trolley ride back
525 Montgomery Pike (U.S. 15), South Williamsport, PA 17702
The mission of the World of Little League: Peter J. McGovern Museum and Official Store is to inform and educate visitors about the history, service, goals and initiatives of Little League Baseball and Softball. The museum obtains and curates artifacts and archival materials from the world’s largest organized youth sports program and presents them in a way that’s both informative and entertaining. Hundreds of these artifacts are on display and the museum’s exhibits, and thousands more are curated in the archives.
Distance from Corning: 1-hour drive
Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours
*Explore Factoryville, Hometown of Christy Mathewson
Park: 18 Thompson Road, Factoryville, PA 18419
College: 1 College Road, La Plume, PA 18440
Christopher “Christy” Mathewson pitched for the New York Giants for 17 seasons and is considered one of the top 10 pitchers of all time, with leading stats in several areas. He was one of the five original inductees elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. In honor of this baseball hero born and raised in Factoryville, Pennsylvania, the borough holds festivities around his birthdate, August 12. Stop by and visit Christy Mathewson Park, attend the annual “Christy Matthewson Days” event, and spend time at Keystone College (formerly Keystone Academy), where his legacy is honored.
Distance from Binghamton: 40- to 45-minute drive
Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours for self-guided tour, longer if visiting for Christy Mathewson Days
*Binghamton Rumble Ponies Game
211 Henry Street, Binghamton, NY 13901
The Rumble Ponies are a Minor League Baseball team based in Binghamton, New York. The team is the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets. The Rumble Ponies play in Mirabito Stadium and you can find their 2022 schedule HERE.
Distance from Cooperstown: 1.5-hour drive
Estimated Time: Varies
Tourism Office Contact
Morgan Christopher, Marketing Consultant, Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau
570-242-9807 (mobile) / 570-836-5431 (office)
Bottom of the Ninth: Cooperstown
Cooperstown is the birthplace of America’s favorite pastime. Visitors from near and far flock to the region to discover the nation’s rich baseball history while saluting their favorite players and icons. Our baseball-centric village allows you to park in one spot and just stroll down Main Street for many of these experiences, with baseball being there each step of the way. You may also choose to drive a short distance outside the village for additional experiences that are just a base hit away.
*Group-friendly
**Right along or just off Main Street in the village of Cooperstown, an easy walk from the Hall of Fame
Attractions
*National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum
25 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 **
This well-known stop honors baseball legends, managers, executives and umpires who have contributed greatly to the sport. Dive into baseball’s past, present and future through a variety of interactive exhibits spanning more than 150 years. Fans come from all over the country to see artifacts from their favorite team, their idol’s name in the Hall of Fame, or even just to better understand the sport that’s known as America’s Pastime.
Estimated Time: 2 to 4 hours
1 Doubleday Court, Cooperstown, NY 13326 **
Named for Abner Doubleday, the fabled inventor of the sport of baseball, this stadium is located just a few blocks from the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It has hosted thousands of baseball games, including serving as the home of the MLB Hall of Fame Classic Weekend for 65 years.
Estimated Time: 15 minutes or a 45-minute tour with advance registration
Hot Dogs
A town known for baseball MUST have plenty of hot dogs, right? You’ll find them on practically every restaurant menu, but we definitely recommend Cooperstown Diner, Doubleday Café and Jerry’s Place.
Libations
110 River Street, Milford, NY 13807
This brewery offers craft beers and non-alcoholic beverages named for everyone’s favorite game. For the kids in your party, try a Pop Fly Ginger Beer. For the over-21 crowd, a Bambino Ale or Induction Summer Ale might hit the spot. (Note that Cooperstown Brewing Company is open seasonally and offers beverages only, no food.)
Distance from Hall of Fame: 15-minute drive
Beverage Exchange/Tasting Room: 73 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 **
*Distillery: 11 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown, NY 13326
The distillery operates both a production facility and tasting room in the village. The tasting room is located a short walk from the Hall of Fame, making it a perfect resting spot after a day at the museum. The distillery sells its signature beverages in baseball-shaped decanters of various sizes. Among its spirits are a trio of “Abner Doubleday” blends – a bourbon, vodka and American whiskey (get a sampling of each in “Triple Play” package), Spitball Cinnamon Whiskey, and Beanball Bourbon. During the annual Hall of Fame induction weekend, the tasting room’s bartenders create special drinks that pay tribute to each of the year’s inductees.
Distillery distance from Hall of Fame: 2-minute drive
Bat Companies
118 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 **
This bat company is the third oldest in the United States. A short walk from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the company’s Main Street retail shop specializes in custom game bats for everyone from the tiniest tee-ball participants to professional baseball players. The shop can create customized bats for same-day orders, making a perfect souvenir of a visit to the village.
Where It All Began Bat Company
87 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 **
Where It All Began offers an exclusive inventory of bats for play and display. It specializes in a wide selection of wooden bats from Louisville Slugger and Rawlings – perfect for personalization as a gift or keepsake.
4924 NY-28, Cooperstown, NY 13326
If you’re on the hunt for a classic wooden baseball bat, look no further. Located on the outskirts of Cooperstown, the factory offers amazing custom engraved bats, awards and gifts.
Distance from Hall of Fame: 10-minute drive
Other Shops
131 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 **
This shop offers sophisticated apparel for those passionate about the game. Peruse an extensive line of caps, outerwear, footwear, accessories, and tributes to baseball legends including Roberto Clemente, Ken Griffey Jr., Babe Ruth and Ted Williams.
65 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 **
This shop focuses on those pieces of baseball history that your mom tried to toss when she cleaned out the attic … baseball cards. They specialize in Topps baseball cards and just opened their Cooperstown lcoation a few hundred feet from the Hall of Fame.
74 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 **
This is your one-stop-shop for baseball merchandise. It features a wide offering of baseball cards, vintage collectibles, and more than 500 baseball caps from the Major League, Minor League, Cooperstown Collection and Negro Leagues.
75 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 **
This shop provides a vast selection of baseball paraphernalia, clothing, gifts and more.
Tourism Office Contact
Jacqueline White
jacqueline@thisiscooperstown.com
315-867-6073
Havre de Grace
Located on the banks of the Susquehanna River, the charming waterfront community of Havre de Grace blends its rich history with a full slate of events designed for a... Read More
