Field of Dreams

May 14, 2025/

Cooperstown marks milestone moments for youth baseball players

Nicknamed “America’s Hometown,” Cooperstown is more than just a small village in Central New York: It’s a rite of passage for young baseball players across the country. Home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in the sport, Cooperstown is a mecca for baseball fans and future professional hopefuls. Every summer, thousands of 12-year-old athletes have the chance to showcase their game on one of Cooperstown’s two pristine venues while making memories that last long after their tournament week is over. For many, it marks the peak of their youth careers—and the start of something even bigger.

Three-Peat

Susie and Bill Howe’s summers are consumed by baseball, but that’s the way the western suburbs residents like it. Their three sons—Will (14), Andrew (13), and Jake (12)—all play, meaning their calendars are packed with practices and games, along with lots of driving and lots of laundry.

“Last year, I remember…with all three playing, April started, and there were 40 days straight that we had games,” Susie laughed.

The highlight of their recent baseball summers has been trips to Cooperstown. Both Will and Andrew have played in the 12U tournament, during 2022 and 2024, respectively. This summer, it’s Jake’s turn. He’s been counting down since their first visit three years ago.

“Cooperstown was one of, if not the most, special tournaments I’ve ever played in.” – Luke Adams

Will Howe jumps for joy after hitting a home run.

“The first time we went, nobody had any idea what to expect,” Susie said. “You feel like you’re fundraising, and you’re prepping for this trip, and you’re driving 14 hours, and you get there, and after a few days, you’re like, it’s just really as magical as they say.”

Teams apply to play at Cooperstown over a year in advance and fundraise to help cover the costs, which include the famous bunkhouses that host players and coaches. Many Cooperstown alumni cite the team bonding and week-long sleepover as lasting memories from the week. For parents, who often stay in nearby campgrounds or hotels, this trip symbolizes a connection with their sons thanks to a shared love of the game.

“Cooperstown is a symbol of baseball’s history, and seeing them play there with their friends is a memory I will never forget,” Bill said.

His favorite moment was watching Will hit his first home run during the tournament on Andrew’s birthday.

“Seeing the excitement on Will’s face and watching Andrew chase down the home run ball for him is unforgettable for me,” Bill said.

Will remembers that special moment fondly, too.

Andrew Howe catching during a Cooperstown game in 2024.

“It meant a lot to have my dad take me to Cooperstown and cheer me on,” Will said. “He was more excited for me when I hit my home run than I was.”

For the Howe boys and their parents, these are moments that make all the practice hours and busy schedules worth it—and memories that will last long after their youth careers come to an end.

Big League Beginnings

Hinsdalean Luke Adams can attest to that.

Adams (20) is a third baseman for the Biloxi Shuckers, the AA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Although he’s had almost a decade of baseball experience since his first trip to Cooperstown—including being drafted in 2022 and hitting home runs out of professional ballparks—his time in the bunks stand out among some of his favorite memories.

“Cooperstown was one of, if not the most, special tournaments I’ve ever played in. The atmosphere was phenomenal,” Adams said.

He remembers it as the first time he competed against talented players from across the country—namely places like Florida and California, whose young players benefit from longer baseball seasons thanks to milder weather.

“From the opening day competing against 100+ teams in skill challenges, to playing the Florida Stealth, a powerhouse, at 2 AM because of rain delays that day, to rooming with 12 players and three coaches in a sauna of a room, I had a blast,” Adams said.

Adams had a chance to play in Cooperstown two summers in a row, accompanied by his favorite travel companion and number one fan: his dad, Dan Adams. Dan was one of Luke’s coaches during his second year, which meant enhanced father-son bonding and very busy days.

“The memories of playing so many games in a short period of time, and just the kids bonding and all the fun of being in the bunk house together, it’s got to be one of the top experiences [from Luke’s career],” Dan said.

Dan has been in the bleachers cheering or in the dugout coaching for countless games. To him, Cooperstown stands out as an exceptional playing experience. Between the fabulously-maintained diamonds and the meticulous attention to detail from umpires and officiating crew, he said the opportunity to play on mini-Major League fields is an unmatched experience for any young player.

“I think that anybody who plays baseball and is serious about baseball at a 12-year-old age should try to go with their team,” Dan said. “It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you get to have as either father-son or even as a family. I don’t think any kid that plays baseball should miss out on that.”

Although Luke’s killer swing and eye for the game have earned him professional success, it’s moments like Cooperstown that foster the love for the sport. His teammates (three of whom are currently Division I athletes) still keep in touch, telling jokes and marveling at how far they’ve come since their youth baseball days.

“There are still stories to this day we’ll talk about from Cooperstown,” Luke said.