Ozzie Smith Hosts Hall of Fame Weekend Favorite Turn Two

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – For 19 big league seasons, Ozzie Smith thrilled fans on the diamond.

Now in his 23rd year as a Hall of Famer, Smith continues to make memories in Cooperstown.

Smith, the Education Ambassador for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, will host Turn Two with Ozzie Smith on Friday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Cooperstown’s Doubleday Field. Ozzie will welcome fellow Hall of Famers Joe Mauer and Jim Thome with more special guests to be announced, during a fun-filled morning that gives fans a unique chance to experience on-field moments and stories with Hall of Famers.

Turn Two is a Museum fundraiser that supports the Hall of Fame’s educational mission and internship scholarships. Participants in Turn Two each receive on-field round-robin interaction with the Hall of Famers, along with special mementos to commemorate their experience.

Call 607-547-0385 to secure your spot in the lineup today. This experience is an amazing opportunity to connect with Hall of Famers and create new memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

The event will begin at 8 a.m. July 25 with an exclusive morning reception in the Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery with Ozzie and his Hall of Fame friends. Following the light breakfast in the iconic Plaque Gallery, Turn Two participants will receive a commemorative gift to be autographed by all Hall of Famers present before heading to historic Doubleday Field. There participants will receive non-stop interaction, featuring stories and instruction – along with photos – from some of the greatest players the game has known.

Turn Two supports the Hall of Fame’s educational mission and the Ozzie Smith Diversity Scholarships for the Museum’s Frank and Peggy Steele Internship Program for Youth Leadership Development. Since 2002, the program has raised more than $200,000 for the Museum’s initiatives.

Smith, known throughout his career as The Wizard of Oz, won a record 13 Gold Glove Awards at shortstop and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002.

Mauer, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024, played each of his 15 big league seasons with the Twins and became the first catcher in AL/NL history to win three batting titles while also earning the 2009 American League Most Valuable Player Award.

Thome, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018, hit 612 home runs during his 22-year career with the Indians, Phillies, White Sox, Dodgers, Twins and Orioles while posting a .956 OPS and earning five All-Star Game selections.

Turn Two is part of the July 25-28 Hall of Fame Weekend activities that will be highlighted by the July 27 Induction Ceremony where Dick Allen, Dave Parker, CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki and Billy Wagner will be inducted as the Class of 2025.

A limited number of spaces for Turn Two remain, and a reservation is required. Event pricing is $1,000 per person. Reserve spots now by calling 607-547-0385. For more information on Membership, please visit baseballhall.org/join.

The Museum maintains the following Hall of Fame Weekend hours: Friday, July 25: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 26: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, July 27: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Monday, July 28: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. As always, Hall of Fame Members receive free admission.