A consumer's guide to the best and worst of sports media and merchandise. Ground rules: If it can be read, played, heard, observed, worn, viewed, dialed or downloaded, it's in play here.

A consumer’s guide to the best and worst of sports media and merchandise. Ground rules: If it can be read, played, heard, observed, worn, viewed, dialed or downloaded, it’s in play here.

By STEVE PRATT

Jan. 13, 1999 12 AM PT

What: Baseball Hall of Fame Web page: www.baseballhalloffame.org.

If you’ve never been fortunate enough to stroll through the quaint village of Cooperstown in central New York and tour the “home of baseball,” learning about the museum and its members from the Hall’s Web page is the next best thing.

The recent election of Nolan Ryan, George Brett and Robin Yount to the Hall of Fame gave many fans a chance to do just that. The three have been prominently displayed since they were elected. Quotes (“George Brett could get wood on aspirin,” from former Royal manager Jim Frey), biographical information, statistics and photos of the players can be viewed, including the most recent election results.

In fact, there is biographical and statistical information on all 237 members of the Hall in the Member Gallery. Each player--from Hank Aaron to Ross Youngs--has his own page.

Also on the site:

* A trivia quiz updated every month. This month’s topic is “Baseball in the Movies.” Ten multiple choice questions are displayed and you can click on the results. How about the name of name of Tatum O’Neal’s character in “The Bad News Bears?” (Amanda Whurlitzer). Or, in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” what team were the Cubs playing when Ferris and his friends, Cameron and Sloane, play hooky at Wrigley Field? (The Atlanta Braves). Next month’s quiz is on the Negro Leagues.

* Frequently asked questions. Everything from the date of the 1999 Hall of Fame game to why aren’t Roger Maris, Pete Rose or “Shoeless” Joe Jackson in the Hall of Fame is answered. Also, how to find accommodations in and around Cooperstown.

* An up-to-date exhibit overview that lists artifacts on display, including Joe DiMaggio’s 1949 signed contract--the first $100,000 contract. The photos in some of the displays are clear and well-labeled. You can view some of the earliest championship trophies, including the Hall Cup, given to the New York Giants in 1888 after they beat the St. Louis Browns of the American Assn. in a 10-game series.

* Museum hours, admission fees and discount information.

Hopping from screen to screen will make any baseball fan wish they could spend a few hours in Cooperstown.