1989 Hall of Fame Game

The 1989 Hall of Fame Game turned into an intrasquad game after the Cincinnati Reds experienced plane trouble in Montreal and were unable to reach Cooperstown in time for the 2 p.m. start.

Instead, the Reds' scheduled opponent – the Boston Red Sox – split into two teams and played to a 4-4 tie on July 24, 1989, at Doubleday Field.

Boston honored Carl Yastrzemski, who had been inducted into the Hall of Fame the day before, by naming one of the teams Yaz’s Red Sox, which squared off against the Regular Red Sox.

Play was lighthearted, and players gave away balls and signed autographs at regular intervals.

Johnny Bench, another 1989 Hall of Fame inductee, took batting practice with the Red Sox.

Wade Boggs taking a cut on Doubleday Field during the 1989 Hall of Fame Game. The Red Sox played an intrasquad game that day after their scheduled opponent, the Cincinnati Reds, were unable to travel to Cooperstown due to plane difficulties. (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum)

  • "Future
    Future Hall of Famer Wade Boggs rounds second base during the Hall of Fame Game on July 24, 1989. (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum)
  • "Hall
    Hall of Fame President Howard Talbot, right, and Museum Associate Director Bill Guilfoile chat on Doubleday Field before the 1989 Hall of Fame Game. (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum)
  • "Participants
    Participants don Mudville jerseys walk down the street for the 50th Anniversary Hall of Fame Parade. Along with the Hall of Fame Game, the Parade was among many events that took place during Hall of Fame Weekend in 1989.(National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum)

More Hall of Fame Games

1988 Hall of Fame Game

The 1988 Hall of Fame Game featured the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians.
Read more

Hall of Fame Game History

Generations of the game's greats have played in Cooperstown.
Read more

1990 Hall of Fame Game

The scheduled Hall of Fame Game between the Orioles and the Expos on Aug. 6, 1990, was canceled due to rain.
Read more

1988 Hall of Fame Game

The 1988 Hall of Fame Game featured the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians.
Read more

Hall of Fame Game History

Generations of the game's greats have played in Cooperstown.
Read more

1990 Hall of Fame Game

The scheduled Hall of Fame Game between the Orioles and the Expos on Aug. 6, 1990, was canceled due to rain.
Read more

Mentioned Hall of Famers

Wade Boggs

3rd Baseman

Class of 2005

Johnny Bench

Catcher

Class of 1989

Carl Yastrzemski

Left Fielder

Class of 1989