Hall of Famer Tim Raines Returns to Cooperstown to Host Otesaga Hotel Seniors Open Pro-Am Sept. 5

Annual Event Benefits Pathfinder Village and Hall of Fame’s Educational Programs

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – On the base paths, Tim Raines had few peers.

But the brand new Hall of Famer has more than a few new friends in Cooperstown, and Raines will make some more this September in support of Pathfinder Village.

Raines will serve as the celebrity host for the 35th Annual Otesaga Hotel Seniors Open and Pro-Am Golf Tournament Sept. 5-8 at the Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown. Raines will return to Central New York five weeks after being inducted into the Hall of Fame, participating with nearly 100 top pros from around the country who are expected to compete in the three-day Seniors Open Wednesday through Friday.

As the Pro-Am master of ceremonies, Raines – a seven-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion – will be featured throughout the Tuesday, Sept. 5 Pro-Am and as the speaker at that evening’s fundraiser dinner. The Pro-Am will begin with an 11:30 a.m. shotgun start. For more information on the Pro-Am or to register to play, please visit www.pathfindervillage.org/get-involved/tournaments.

Proceeds from this event benefit Pathfinder Village located in nearby Edmeston, a residential community dedicated to children and adults with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Annually, the Seniors Open raises more than $50,000 for scholarships for Pathfinder Village and directly helps the Village’s 90-plus residents and students. More than $2.7 million has been raised for Pathfinder Village through the years.

Proceeds also benefit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum educational programs, which enable the world-famous nonprofit institution to fulfill its educational mission and care for its priceless collections.

The tradition of a Hall of Famer as the Pro-Am master of ceremonies began in 2004 and includes: 2016: Rollie Fingers; 2015: Ryne Sandberg; 2014: Bobby Cox; 2013: Rollie Fingers; 2012: Fergie Jenkins; 2011: Johnny Bench; 2010: Jim Rice; 2009: Mike Schmidt; 2008: Harmon Killebrew; 2007: Mike Schmidt; 2006: Robin Roberts; 2005: Carlton Fisk; 2004: Phil Niekro.

The Otesaga Resort Hotel is the tournament’s title sponsor and has been instrumental in its success. Located on the shores of beautiful Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, the Otesaga Resort Hotel has been selected as a “Historic Hotel of America” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Overlooking picturesque Otsego Lake, the Otesaga Hotel’s Leatherstocking Golf Course is considered one of the East’s most scenic and historic par-72 layouts. Designed by the legendary Devereux Emmet in 1909, Leatherstocking has been rated “four stars” by Golf Digest’s “Places to Play.”

The presenting sponsor for the 2017 tournament is NBT Bank, and the corporate sponsor is Coca-Cola Refreshments.

Steve Ford of Melbourne, Fla., shot a 13-under par 200 over three rounds to capture the 2016 Otesaga Hotel Seniors Open. The complete list of former champions: 2015: Craig Thomas; 2014: John Elliott; 2013: Jim Chancey; 2012: Tom Eubank; 2011: Tournament canceled due to rain; 2010: Ed Whitman; 2009: Jeff Roth; 2008: Jerry Tucker; 2007: Scott Spence; 2006: Bobby Heins; 2005: Darrell Kestner; 2004: John Gentile; 2003: Lonnie Nielsen; 2002: Dan Wood; 2001: John Traub; 2000: Paul Parjeckas; 1999: Marty Bohen; 1998: Tony Perla; 1997: John Gentile; 1996: Austin Straub; 1995: Tom Joyce; 1994: Tom Joyce; 1993: Ray Montgomery; 1992: Dave Philo; 1991: Tom Joyce; 1990: Jim Albus; 1989: Dick Sarta; 1988: Pete Hessemer; 1987: Doug Dalziel; 1986: Bob Bruno; 1985: Richard Howell; 1984: Rolland Stafford; 1983: Donald Hoenig.