Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith hosts fundraiser event Turn Two with Ozzie

OTSEGO, N.Y. (WBNG) - Baseball fans are taking over Cooperstown this weekend. The Baseball Hall of Fame Ceremonies are ready to get in full swing. The four days got off to a magical start for some, with an unforgettable experience with the Wizard. Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith took it upon himself to help fans make some new memories with his unique event: Turn Two with Ozzie.

Ozzie Smith’s annual fundraiser for the Turn Two Museum’s educational program gives fans a unique opportunity to experience on-field moments and hear stories from Smith and his fellow Hall of Famers Jim Kaat, Fred McGriff, and Scott Rolen. 12 Sports spoke with Smith who said he has always looked to give back to the fans since his playing days.

“Continuing here on a higher level, because we’re able to take the guys that played the game the right way and bring them out here and give people an opportunity to visit with them on a one-on-one level,” said Smith. “And I think that’s what fans look for.”

The event began with an exclusive morning reception in the Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery, which then moved to the historic Doubleday Field for interactive stories and skill instruction.

12 Sports also spoke Rolen, who was inducted last year in the Class of 2023, who said he is excited this time around to truly take in all of the moments with his family.

“It’s great,” said Rolen. “Last year was pretty hectic for sure. This year is quite a little bit more relaxed, and I’m looking to enjoy it with my family, take a few breaths, and look around a little bit.”

Rolen was also asked how he has specifically seen the defensive game in the Major Leagues change over the last 20 to 30 years.

“The idea was to get the ball in the zone, get it on the ground, and turn double plays,” said Rolen. “You watch Maddux do it, you watch all these guys do it. And, that’s the era I came up in. While “Jock” was the G.M. in St. Louis while I was there, that’s how he built the team. He built the team for infield defense and ground balls. So, it’s not necessarily what’s happening in the game right now, but that’s the game I really like and I think it will head back that way before too long.”

Smith and Rolen both became Hall of Famers as members of the St. Louis Cardinals. Smith now serves as the Education Ambassador for the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. He says this event is a highlight of the weekend for him each year.