PHILADELPHIA, PA, June 15, 2023 - On Monday, February 9, 2004, the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame inducted it's inaugural group of Hall of Famers. On a mild winter night at the Sheraton Society Hill 21 individuals representing seven different sports became the Hall of Fame's Charter Class. Paraphrased by Philadelphia treasure Ray Didinger as "The greatest assemblage of sports figures ever", in attendance were Chuck Bednarik, Joe Frazier, Sonny Hill, Paul Arizin, Robin Roberts, Harry Kalas and Steve Van Buren along with Ruth Mack Clark, Bert Bell Jr., Nancy Foxx Canaday, and Rich Ashburn Jr. (on behalf of their fathers, Connie Mack, Bert Bell, Jimmie Foxx and Richie Ashburn).
This year's Induction, the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame's 20th, is expected to sell out the Event Center at Live! Casino & Hotel in South Philadelphia. The 2023 Inductee Class features ten different sports raising the number of sports represented by the Hall of Fame's roster to an amazing total of 20.
To celebrate these 20 years of 20 sports, the Hall of Fame announces "20-for-20", a series highlighting 20 of the Hall's incredible roster of inductees that stand out from the crowd. We are highlighting the best of the best.
"This is a celebration of the history of Philadelphia sports reflected in our inductees," said Steve Tallant, Vice President. "I'm sure not everyone will agree, so putting some things out there to start conversations and debate should be a lot of fun!"
For the next 20 weeks leading up this year's Induction Ceremony & Reception the Hall of Fame will release a series of 20-for-20 categories consisting of current Philly Sports Hall of Famers. The first group, "Top Coaches/Managers" will be released June 21. The complete set of 20-for-20s and release schedule is available here:
https://www.philadelphiasportshalloffame.org/20-for-20/
"Our 20th Anniversary Celebration is festive appreciation of Philadelphia sports history," continued Tallant. "Each year a number of past Inductees attend the Induction Ceremony to welcome the new Hall of Famers. The Hall of Fame's volunteer staff is working with all past Inductees to ensure their participation in this year's 20th Reunion."
Open to the public the 2023 Induction Ceremony & Reception is Thursday November 2 at Live! Casino & Hotel. Details and registration information are available here:
https://www.philadelphiasportshalloffame.org/
Founded in 2002, the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame is a 501 (c)(3) with a mission "To Preserve and Promote Philadelphia's Sports History.
http://www.phillyhall.org/
Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
2701 Grant Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19114
Media Information
Media Contact: Ken Avallon (215.254.5049 ext. 6)
mediarelations@phillyhall.net
Contact Information
Ken Avallon
Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
Philadelphia, PA
United States
Voice: 215.254.5049 ext. 6
