Arthur Ashe - Inducted 1979 - Tennis Ashe emerged as the tennis world's outspoken conscience, pleading for reason and common sense in racial matters Photo courtesy Virginia Sports Hall of Fame |
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
Founded in 1972, the
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in Portsmouth was designated the
commonwealth's "Official Sports Hall of Fame" in 1996 by the state
General Assembly. It is one of sixteen state sports halls of fame
in the country.
The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame showcases nineteen
sports, which include tennis, golf, bowling, basketball, and horse
and auto racing. By year 2000, the hall of fame had honored 183
champions, hailing from every area of the state. These inductees
include thirty-four National Hall of Famers; two
Sports
Illustrated 's All Century Pro Football team members, Willie
Lanier and Dwight Stevenson; golfer Sam Snead, who was named one of
the Top 100 North American athletes of the 20th century by ESPN;
and Paul Mellon, one of four exemplars of racing, and a member of
the English Jockey Club Hall of Fame.
The museum's sports memorabilia is one of the most
outstanding collections in the country. Items include tennis great
Arthur Ashe's racquet; the game ball from the 1903 football match
between Virginia Tech and Navy; Bobby Ross' Coach of the Year award
received when he was with the San Diego Chargers; and PGA Hall of
Famer Sam Snead's signature straw hat.
Documentation includes a report on the legacy,
description of each inductee, museum brochures, a video, and 30
photographs of inductees.
Originally submitted by: Norman Sisisky, Representative (4th District).
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