Official Inducted Into Oregon Hall of Fame
The city of Pasadena announced Friday that one of its own was scheduled to be inducted into the state of Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.
Ted Bates, Pasadena’s recreation facilities administrator, first came to the city in 1957 with Oregon State for the Rose Bowl. He did not return until 1970, after back injuries forced the then-Chicago Cardinals football player to give up the sport. Bates took a job with the city’s Recreation and Parks Department, and was promoted to administrator 20 years later.
The former all-American player did not tell many of his fellow city employees about his pigskin past. But this week, when Bates got a letter telling him he had been chosen for induction, he broke from his humble habits and made sure everyone knew.
“He showed us all the letter. It’s so wonderful,” said Lisa Jeffery, recreation and parks services manager.
Bates has pioneered numerous youth groups and helped to create Robinson Park.
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