Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame Holding Sixth Induction Ceremony November 12

PHILADELPHIA October 20, 2009 -- The Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame will hold its 6th annual Induction Ceremony on November 12, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Penn’s Landing. This year's event will honor the members of Inductee Class VI. The new class, including one team and 14 individuals, joins the 84 current members of the Philly Hall.

This year's class includes: Tommy Lasorda, Julius "Judy" Johnson, Eddie Collins, Larry Bowa, Neil Johnston, Emlen Tunnell, Pete Retzlaff, John Cappelletti, Dr. Charles Jenkins, Mel Sheppard, Joey Giardello, Betty Shellenberger, Merrill Reese, Bill Conlin and the 1973-1975 Two-time Stanley Cup Champion Philadelphia Flyers.

"The Induction Ceremony has evolved into an annual reunion to honor the new Inductees," said Steve Tallant Vice-President of Foundation Development for the Hall of Fame. "Each year past inductees and other sports legends join the new class and we're thrilled to be able to share such a great event with Philly sports fans.  This year’s class has the irony of including two inductees who have current relationships with the Phillies NLCS foes, the LA Dodgers, Larry Bowa and Tommy Lasorda."

The ceremony features Pat Williams, former General Manager of the 76ers and current Senior Vice-President for the Orlando Magic, back as Master of Ceremonies for the fifth time.

Festivities include a cocktail reception, dinner and the Induction banquet. Attendees may also participate in the silent auction and view the museum exhibit featuring items from the Hall of Fame's unique collection of Philadelphia sports artifacts.

"Tickets to the ceremony are really picking up," continued Tallant, "Last year's Induction Ceremony sold out three weeks in advance and we anticipate another sellout this year."

The cocktail reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the Induction Ceremony. The banquet is open to the public and tickets can be purchased online at http://www.phillyhall.org/class6 or by calling (215) 923-5121 Ext. 1.    

Summary profiles of the Class VI Inductees and a complete Hall of Fame roster are available at www.phillyhall.org.

Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available.