Hatfield to Receive County Hall of Fame Award

Bobby Hatfield, who went from the athletic fields of Anaheim High School to the stages of the world as half of the Righteous Brothers singing duo, has been named the winner of the Orange County Hall of Fame’s Ralph Clark Award.

Hatfield, an All-Sunset League outfielder in baseball in 1958 and a member of the Colonists’ football team, will receive the award Feb. 15 at the Hall of Fame’s induction banquet at the Disneyland Hotel.

Hatfield follows astronaut Gerald Carr and singer John Raitt as a recipient of the award, named for the former Orange County supervisor, which is presented annually to a former county athlete who has excelled in a non-athletic field.

Hatfield and Bill Medley formed the Righteous Brothers in 1962 and their “blue-eyed soul” music captured the nation’s fancy, recording No. 1 hits such as “You’ve Lost That Loving Feelin’ ”, “Soul and Inspiration” and “Rock and Roll Heaven.”

Joining Hatfield will be new inductees Rod Carew and Andy Messersmith, former baseball stars, Eddie Morris, outstanding high school sprinter and Carol Spanks, a softball great. Also appearing will be Lifetime Achievement recipients Ralph Clark, Bruce Gelker, a restaurant owner, Irv Kaze of the Raiders and Lou Unser, a racing engine builder.

Proceeds from the banquet provide athletic equipment for organized Orange County youth groups. Youth Fund applications and banquet tickets are available by calling 832-1113.