Baseball Hall of Fame postpones induction ceremony to allow fans

The first Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in nearly two years has been postponed to September to allow a limited amount of fans at the outdoor ceremony. The Wednesday announcement revises a decision made earlier this year by the National Baseball Hall of Fame, which originally said no guests would be allowed to attend this year's induction ceremony due to state COVID-19 protocols. 

"We are thrilled to be able to welcome our Hall of Famers – the living legends – and fans back to Cooperstown to celebrate the Induction of the Class of 2020," Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, said in a statement announcing the decision. "Returning the Induction Ceremony to an outdoor event will provide the baseball community with the opportunity to visit Cooperstown and celebrate the Induction of four of the game's Greats." In February of this year, Clark said that the Hall of Fame would hold the event on July 25 — but added that due to "the continuing uncertainties created by COVID-19," it would change the location of the event from Clark Sports Center to an indoor venue without fans.