COOPERSTOWN, N.Y., Jan. 29 The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres have been chosen to play in the final Hall of Fame Game June 16 in Cooperstown, N.Y.
The annual exhibitions, a Hall of Fame tradition since 1940, are being discontinued after this season.
"We are grateful to Major League Baseball for making an annual Hall of Fame Game possible for so many years but we also understand their enormous scheduling challenge today, which makes continuing this exhibition game impossible," said Hall of Fame President Dale Petroskey in a statement.
Major League Baseball President Bob DuPuy called the game "a unique part of the baseball calendar," but "given the complexities of the major league schedule and all its inherent challenges, it has become increasingly difficult in recent years to find a suitable date and make the proper arrangements for two clubs to participate in the Hall of Fame Game during the regular season."
Festivities on game day include a parade and a home run derby.
Copyright 2008 by UPI
