Philly Sports Legends Gathering for Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Some of the greatest names in Philadelphia sports are gathering for the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame's will 4th Annual Induction Ceremony. This year's event honors the members of Inductee Class IV consisting of 13 individuals and one team. Also honored are the Hall of Fame's 2007 Pride of Philadelphia winners National League MVP Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies and the 2006-07 PIAA Class AAAA Champion Cheltenham High School girls basketball team.

This year's class includes Beth Anders, Walter Bahr, Bill Barber, Mickey Cochrane, Theresa Grentz, Frank "Bucko" Kilroy, Chuck Klein, Harry Litwack, Bill Lyon, Earl Monroe, Earl "Greasy" Neale, Jack Whitaker and Reggie White along with the 1980 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies. Anders, Bahr, Barber, Grentz, Lyon, Monroe, Whitaker and members of the 1980 Phillies are expected to attend. Also attending will be Sara White, Reggie White's widow and relatives of Klein, Litwack, Cochrane and Kilroy.

Joining the class are past Inductees and other sports figures including Bernie Parent, Jay Wright, Sonny Hill, Bill Giles, Bob Levy, Tom Brookshier, Phil Martelli, Glen Macnow, Bill Ellerbee, Bill Campbell, Pete Retzlaff, Brian Propp, Jay Sigel, Fran Dunphy, Harry Kalas, Tommy McDonald, Dan Baker, Ray Didinger and the Phillie Phanatic.

"Sports celebrities and past inductees come year after year to honor the new hall of famers," said Steve Tallant, the Hall's Vice-President of Foundation Development. "As a public event we're thrilled to be able to share this who's who of Philly sports with local fans."

The ceremony features Pat Williams, former General Manager of the 76ers and current Senior Vice-President for the Orlando Magic, back for the fourth year as Master of Ceremonies.

"Tickets to the ceremony are really moving," continued Tallant, "Last year's Induction Ceremony sold out well in advance and we anticipate another sellout this year."

Festivities include a cocktail reception, dinner and the Induction banquet. Attendees may also participate in the silent auction and view the museum exhibit featuring items from the Hall of Fame's unique collection of Philadelphia sports artifacts.

Event sponsors this year include the Phillies, the Eagles and Shire Pharmaceuticals.
The cocktail reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the Induction Ceremony. The banquet is open to the public and tickets can be purchased online at Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame or by calling (215) 886-6657 Ext. 1. Some limited sponsorship opportunities are still available.