New York has played a vital role in baseball’s rich history.

“There’s a rich history of baseball, and it really sort of focuses on this region,” said Rene LeRoux, the executive director of the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame Museum.

Stories from the diamond extend from the Brooklyn Dodgers to the New York Yankees, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame to even Gloversville.

“Moonlight Graham from 'Field of Dreams' played across the street with Cy Young and Honus Wagner,” said LeRoux, referring to Parkhurst Field.

Parkhurst Field’s acclaim in baseball lore is what sold LeRoux to open the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame Museum across the street in this Fulton County city. Years of hard work turned a dream into a reality this summer when it opened.

“This was an easy call,” LeRoux said. “I played baseball. I loved it. It was my first love.”

Located 45 miles north of Cooperstown, the facility is filled with plaques honoring inductees, memorabilia and endless stories. Since 2011, the museum has inducted about 140 members, including New York Yankees Special Consultant Ray Negron.

“I’ve known Rene LeRoux’s dream of being able to honor people that have given their all to the game,” Negron said. “And I’d like to think after 50 years, I’ve given everything I’ve got to the game. And I still got more to give.”

A former batboy, he worked with Billy Martin, Reggie Jackson, Thurman Munson and George Steinbrenner. Three years after Negron was inducted, MLB Network host Brian Kenny joined him.

“I don’t put myself with Bernie Williams and Mickey Mantle and the great major leaguers,” Kenny said. “It’s nice to be recognized as a broadcaster and as part of the fabric of the baseball world.”

This hall of fame’s main goal is to recognize those who have offer significant contributions to the game at all levels. In November, the museum will induct another class, and continue to give New York more than just a footnote in baseball’s history.