The State of Washington Sports Hall of Fame began in 1960 with large banquets held at the Winthrop Hotel in downtown Tacoma. Over the years the event attracted numerous celebrities from the sporting and entertainment world including those in the following photos.
L-R: Joe Namath (New York Jets quarterback), Joe Macaluso (TAC Director) and John Hadl (San Diego Chargers quarterback).L-R: Leo Durocher, manager of the Chicago Cubs, and TAC Director Joe Macaluso.L-R: New York Yankee pitcher Mel Stottlemyre and Sandy Koufax (far right), star southpaw hurler for the Los Angeles Dodgers.Frank Leahey, former Notre Dame football coach.Andy Devine speaking at the State Hall of Fame banquet.The State of Washington Sports Hall of Fame held its inaugural banquet in 1960.L-R: Unknown, comedian Joe E. Brown, Herman Dahl, and golfers Chuck Congdon and Jack Walters.On the podim at the annual HOF ceremonies were Ben Cheney (white jacket) and baseball player George Wise. To the left of Wise in the white jacket is TAC President Bill Gazecki and next to him is Governor Albert D Rosellini.The annual banquet was held in the Crystal Ballroom at the Winthop Hotel in downtown Tacoma. Golfer Ken Still is on the left in the background and in the center is Los Angeles Dodgers pitching great Sandy Koufax.L-Rt: TAC President Neil Hoff, boxer Freddie Steele, and baseball player and manager Fred Hutchinson.L-R: Sports editor Dan Walton, boxing promoter Jack Connors, and comedian Joe E. Brown.L-R: Actor Andy Devine, Jack Nichols, boxer Al Hostak, Notre Dame coach Frank Leahey, and former UW running back Chuck Carroll.L-R: Stan Bates, “Indian” Bob Johnson, Mrs. Hiram Conibear, and Earl Averill.
Memorable Moments:
State induction ceremonies over the years have attracted numerous celebrities including Mickey Mantle and Billy Martin (in white coats, left). The pair also enjoyed a Puget Sound fishing trip with Stan Naccarato, left, Clay Huntington, center, and Jim Carbone, right, while attending induction festivities.
