Baseball Hall of Fame cancels 2020 induction ceremony, inductees react

Class of 2020 will be enshrined along with the Class of 2021 on July 25, 2021.

Statements from Derek Jeter and Larry Walker included.

Weekend...they now have it - announcing the cancellation of july's festivities.

The hall said it made its decision based on the advice of government officials - as well as - federal - state and local medical experts - in the interest of health and safety.

The induction class of 2020 headlined by former yankees captain derek jeter along with larry walker - marvin miller and ted simmons - will now be enshrined with the class of 2021 on sunday july 25, 2021 with the weekend taking place from the 23rd to the 26th.

Reaction from the 2020 inductees is coming in with - walker - who visited the hall in february saying - quote: "i fully understand and agree with the board's decision.

It is most important to do the right thing for everybody involved, and that means not putting any participants in jeopardy, whether hall of famers or visitors.

I realize how serious this situation has become and how many lives have been lost."

Bronx hero jeter echoed those sentiments...he said - quote: ((change)) "being inducted into the hall of fame will be an incredible honor, but the health and safety of everyone involved are paramount.

I respect and support the decision to postpone this year's enshrinement and am looking forward to joining current hall of famers, fans, staff and my family and friends in cooperstown in 2021."

((no cg)) this isn't the first time the hall of fame has combined classes for enshrinement - the last merger happening in 1949 when both the classes of '48 and '49 were inducted.

The first four classes - from 1936 to 1939 were also all honored together in 1939 during the museum's formal opening in cooperstown.

Tonight - at 11 - we will be hearing from hall president tim mead