Ground Is Broken for Hall of Fame

Twelve years of anticipation became reality Thursday when groundbreaking ceremonies took place for an Anaheim Stadium addition that will house the Orange County Sports Hall of Fame.

Hall of Fame members Mickey Flynn (1981), Brian Goodell (‘83), Alex Maese (‘86), and Alex Omalev (‘91) joined former Ram quarterback Vince Ferragamo, who will be inducted in October, and Hall President Janet Donovan in the ceremony just outside Gate 6 of the stadium where the three-story addition will be constructed.

The Hall of Fame will be headquartered in 7,200 square feet of space on the second floor of the building and will include a theater/gallery, a gift shop and an “Honors Court,” where the inductees and special award winners will be recognized.

When Ferragamo, along with Steve Busby, Al Carmichael and Doug DeCinces are inducted Oct. 27 at the awards banquet at the Disneyland Hotel, the Hall of Fame membership will increase to 61.

The Hall of Fame’s new home will feature more than 20 “wings,” each representing a group or category of athletes. Included will be areas saluting the county’s Olympians, the Angels, Rams, major league baseball, football and basketball greats, college football, baseball and basketball standouts, high school greats and stars from the Freedom Bowl and Disneyland Pigskin Classic.

A total of $165,000 in cash and pledges has been raised by the Hall of Fame toward its share--$478,00--of construction costs. The public/private joint venture is being built by the Rams, Angels and City of Anaheim with an interest-free loan from Ogden Leisure Services. Occupancy date is August, 1993.