Barry
Sanders and Lou Creekmur head class of Michigan HOF inductees
Ford Field Press
Release
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Legendary Lion Barry Sanders is one of three
former Lions to be honored tonight at Ford Field |
Former Lion Mike Utley will be also be
presented with the Courage Award in tonight's ceremonies. The award is
sponsored by Wright & Filippis.
The rest of the class includes former superstar softball pitcher
Kathy Arendsen, Detroit News columnist Jerry Green and drag racing legend
Shirley Muldowney. Former Tiger Billy Pierce was the selection of the Legends
Committee.
In addition, Palace Sports and Entertainment President Tom Wilson
will receive the Gerald R. Ford Sports Person of the Year Award and
The 49th annual Michigan Sports Hall of Fame event tonight will
be held in the Atrium at Ford Field for the first time tonight. The popular
Heroes of the Hall reception which precedes the dinner will be held on the
historic
“We’re tremendously pleased with response to our move to Ford
Field from our sponsors and the public in general,” said Hall board chairman
Roger Faulkner. “We’re looking forward to a great event.”
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The 2003 Induction Dinner and Ceremony marks
several firsts.
For the first time, Hall member and broadcasting legend Ernie
Harwell will serve as master of ceremonies. Harwell’s sports insight, humor and
history will add a unique luster to the event.
2003 is also the first time two women will be inducted in the
same year. Arendsen and Muldowney, both counted among the greatest of all time
in their sports, are very worthy recipients of the induction honor.
This year’s event is being held for the first time at Ford Field.
“To have such a important gathering of sports legends
held in a magnificent sporting venue like Ford Field only serves to make our
event that much more exciting,” added Faulkner.
Tickets for the dinner are $150 each and are available now by contacting
the Hall office at (248) 473-0656 or at any
Creekmur was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996.
Sanders is elgible for inception into the Pro Football
Hall of Fame in 2004.