FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe Maltese
(O)561-233-3178 (C) 561-722-5645
Palm Beach County Sports Hall of FameUnveils
Class of 2010 Inductees
Hall of Famer Hank Aaron and NFL Great Fred Taylor Headline List
Induction Ceremony a Must-Attend Event for Sports Enthusiasts
WEST PALM BEACH, FLA.(October 18, 2009)– The Palm Beach County Sports Commission announced its 2010 class of Hall of Fame inductees – including baseball legend Hank Aaron and NFL Pro Bowl running back and University of Florida standout, Fred Taylor.
“We’re proud to announce such an extremely high caliber group of inductees,” said Joe Ceravolo, chairman of the Hall of Fame Committee. “Palm Beach County is blessed to have such a large concentration of accomplished athletes at the professional and amateur levels. Demand to attend thislimited-seating event will undoubtedly be high, and I encourage people to purchase tickets early to not miss out.”
Rated by The Sporting News as one of the top five ‘Greatest Baseball Players’ and a member of the Major League Baseball ‘All Century Team,’ Henry “Hank” Aaronretired from the gamein 1976 holding the league record with 755 home runs. The sports icon played for 23 seasons with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves (National League), and Milwaukee Brewers (American League). He set a plethora of standing records, including Runs Batted In (RBIs), extra base hits, and total bases. Aaron played in 3,298 games compiling a.305 batting average, and was selected to every All-Star team from 1955 to 1975. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. From 1963 through 1974, Aaron participated in MLBs spring training in West Palm Beach, and has a street dedicated to him, Hank Aaron Drive. He has maintained a longtime winter residence in Palm Beach County.
Pahokee native, Fred Taylor, began his stellar football career playing running back for Glades Central High School (Class of 1994). After an outstanding tenure as running back for the University of Florida, he was the ninth overall NFL draft pick in 1998, being selected by Jacksonville Jaguars. From 1998 to 2009, he was the team’s offensive workhorse rushing for 11,271 yards on 2,428 carries, and averaging 4.6 yards per carry with 62 touchdowns. Taylor is only the twenty-first player in the NFL history to rush for more than 10,000 yards, and the only 1,000yard rusher in Jaguars’ history. Complementing his run game, Taylor also accumulated over 2,361 yards and 8 touchdowns as a pass receiver. In 1999, Taylor set the NFL post-season record for the longest touchdown run, totaling 90 yards. Hecurrently plays for the three-time Super Bowl champions, New England Patriots.
"Given the caliber of athletesthat comeout of Palm Beach County and being a native myself, I am shocked, surprised and honored to be selected for the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame,” said NFL Pro Bowl running back Fred Taylor. I look forward to attending the event and seeing many of my longtime friends and fans."
Rounding out the elite class of athletes to be inducted include:
Reverend Leo Armbrust– A prominent figure in the world of college and football sports, served as team priest for the University of Miami football team (1983-86), Dallas Cowboys (1993-94) and Miami Dolphins (1996 to 2006). Holds five NCAA Championship rings and two Super Bowl rings.
Leonard Banks– A Belle Glade native, Pahokee High School graduate(lettered in football, basketball and track), and a basketball All-American honors student at Palm Beach Atlantic. Dedicated veteran teach, athletic director and coach (football, swimming, basketball, flag football, cross country and track).
Richard Ellington–A graduate of Palm Beach High school, where he played basketball for Hall of Fame member, “Coach”Joe Ceravolo. Actively involved in youth and professional sports-related organizations including the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, the Orange Bowl Committee, Super Bowl XXXIX and Super Bowl XXXIII.
Margie Engel– A champion equestrian rider who represented the United States in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Named the 1991 American Horse Shows Association Equestrian of the Year, Rolex/National Grand Prix League Rider of the Year (1992 and 1993), and the ten-time American Grand Prix Association Rider of the Year.
Loring ‘Snag’ Holmes–A competitive swimmer and renowned coach over the last 50 years, with 20 first-place finishes in the 75 to 79 age group. Worked with Hall of Fame members Buddy Goodell andBuddy Baarcke, as well as University of Texas swim coach and five-time Olympics’ coach, Eddie Reese.
Marilu Almeida Hunt– A three-sport standout at Cardinal Newman High School, winning four letters each in basketball and softball, and three in volleyball. Named Academic All-Area and to numerous all-star and all-area teams in all three sports.
Dottie Pepper – A dominant LPGA Tour player amassing $6.8 million in prize money, preceded by a successful amateur career winning two statewide championships in New York (1981) and runner-up in the 1982 PGA National Junior Championship. Recipient of numerous LPGA awards, including the Rolex Player of the Year and the Vare Trophy.
Robert Zammit – A pitcher for Palm Beach High School (1954-57), Florida Southern College (1957-59), and Kansas City Royals minor league system for three years. Coached American Legion Post 12 (1967-74) and a member of several professional fishing tours (2000-05).
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s (PBCSC) 21stHall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place March 21, 2010, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. For tickets or sponsorship information, contact the PBCSC at 561-233-3180.
About the Palm Beach County Sports Commission…
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is contracted by Palm Beach County to promote and market the County as a sports and sports tourism destination. The Commission brings sporting events and activities to the County, enhances economic impact, stimulates bed tax revenues, and maximizes utilization of County facilities. The Commission offers a full range of event service support, corporate partnerships, sponsorships and a local membership program that support its goals. The Commission also produces sports-related programs for the residents of Palm Beach County including the annual Lou Groza Awards program, the Sports Hall of Fame, the Kids Fitness Festival, and awards the annual Sam Budnyk Student-Athlete Scholarship. For more information about the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, visit
-30-