Banquet History

Since 1970, numerous sports figures have presented Hall of Fame awards, or appeared on the program of Annual Awards Banquets. This group included Gene Bartow, Jake Gibbs, Don Kessinger, Pepper Rodgers, Avron Fogelman, Billy Dunavant, Mike Cody, Bud Budley, Al Dunning and Rex Dockery. Media participants have included Joe Birch, George Lapides, Dan Stewart, Tom Stocker, Jack Eaton, Steve Collins, John (Rainman) Rainey, Lance Russell, Bob Brame, and Dave (Wolo) Woloshin.

After two years at the Sheraton, the banquet was moved to the American Legion for several years then on to the Holiday Inn Rivermont. The continued growth of the event resulted in relocation to the Peabody Hotel which hosted the event for ten years (1981 – 1990). After a one year stay at the Racquet Club, the awards banquet moved to its present site in 1992.

This Inductee Banquet honors men and women who have played a major role in sports, helping call public attention to its value in the field of recreation and competition. The City of Memphis is proud of its citizens who have met the challenge of competition in amateur athletics while developing a deep sense of sportsmanship, honesty and fair play.

Induction into the Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame is the most prestigious honor a manager, player, game official, personal contributor, or team sponsor can receive in the Memphis and Shelby County area.