Over a dozen local sports figures became the newest inductees into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday.
The event, which took place at Rivers Casino and was emceed by WIP’s Joe DeCamara, honored their achievements and contributions to the Philly sports scene.
Among those inducted were NBA champion Rip Hamilton, former Eagles Seth Joyner and Bill Bradley, women’s lacrosse great Bonnie Rosen and former Phillies manager and World Series champion Dallas Green, who was inducted posthumously.
Hamilton, who grew up in nearby Coatesville, was thrilled to be honored by the city he still calls home.
“I’m from a small town of Coatesville, Pennsylvania,” Hamilton said. “Not a lot of people ever make it out of there, and I had a dream to one day show my family a different life.”
Joyner, who played eight seasons for the Eagles before going on to win a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos, said the love he felt from the fans during his playing days made the honor particularly special to him.
“This is just phenomenal to me,” Joyner said. “This is bigger than all of the Hall of Fames that I’ve been inducted in so far.”
Other inductees included former Flyer Mark Recchi, women’s basketball great Yolanda Laney, sportswriter Gary Smith, New York Giants defensive lineman Jim Katcavage (who lived for a time on Oakhill Road in Millbrook), Zack Clayton, Mike Teti, Larry Foust, Olga Dorfner, Lew Tendler and the 1947 Philadelphia Warriors.
The event also featured a silent auction of a wide variety of Philly sports memorabilia, including signed pictures, jerseys and other gear. ••
