Sal Bando
Baseball
Sal Bando was the cornerstone of the Oakland A’s during their three consecutive World Series championships from 1972 to 1974. As the team’s captain, Bando’s leadership was vital in keeping the A’s focused despite internal conflicts and tensions. A durable, power-hitting third baseman, Bando averaged 23 home runs and 90 RBIs annually from 1969 to 1976, an impressive feat in an offensively-challenged era. His leadership went beyond the box score, with teammates respecting his commitment and ability to stay calm under pressure. Despite being overshadowed by stars like Reggie Jackson, Bando finished in the top four of AL MVP voting from 1971 to 1974 and was a four-time All-Star over his 16-season career, which saw him hit 242 home runs and drive in 1,039 RBIs.
Bando’s path to the major leagues began in Cleveland, where he excelled in multiple sports. He earned a scholarship to Arizona State, where he shone as a baseball player, earning All-American honors and leading the Sun Devils to the College World Series in 1965. The Kansas City Athletics drafted him in the sixth round of the inaugural 1965 MLB draft. After a slow start in the minors, Bando refined his game, impressing with his defense at third base and his offensive consistency. His big-league debut came in 1966, and by 1969, Bando was the A’s starting third baseman, quickly becoming known for his steady bat and excellent defensive play.
In the early 1970s, Bando emerged as one of the premier players in the American League, particularly after the A’s moved to Oakland. In 1971, he finished second in MVP voting, hitting 24 home runs and driving in 94 RBIs. As the A’s captain, Bando helped them secure their first AL West title, and his leadership was crucial in the team’s dominant run through the early 1970s. The 1972 season saw Bando’s resilience and grit as the A’s overcame internal strife and repeated injuries. He was a key figure in their World Series victory over the Cincinnati Reds in 1972, despite struggling at the plate. His clutch performance in the ALCS, including a game-winning homer, demonstrated his ability to shine when it mattered most.
Bando’s leadership continued to be crucial for the A’s throughout the 1970s, and his contributions went beyond his on-field statistics. Known for his quiet yet steady leadership, he helped guide the team to success despite frequent tensions between management and players. Bando’s consistency helped the A’s capture their third consecutive AL West title in 1973. While injuries affected his performance at times, he remained a vital presence in the lineup, hitting 29 home runs and driving in 98 RBIs in 1973. After the A’s dynasty ended in 1977, Bando played for the Milwaukee Brewers, where he continued to contribute, both as a player and a leader, before transitioning into a front-office role. He served as GM of the Brewers from 1991 to 1999, though the team struggled during his tenure. Bando’s legacy as one of the game’s most dependable and influential players endures, both for his on-field achievements and his leadership in the clubhouse.
Lou Campi
Bowling
Lou Campi, a right-handed bowler, earned the nickname “Wrong Foot Lou” due to his unique finish at the foul line, where he ended his slide on his right foot. This unorthodox style was a result of his early experience playing Italian bocci. Campi made history by winning the first-ever PBA tournament, the Empire Open in Albany, New York, in 1959. He was also a key member of the legendary Faber Cement Block team, alongside fellow Hall of Famer Al (Lindy) Faragalli. This team dominated the East, setting scoring records during the 1950s and early 1960s.
In addition to his team success, Campi won the BPAA Doubles title twice—first in 1947 with Hall of Famer Andy Varipapa, and again in 1957 with Faragalli. His contributions to the sport, both individually and as part of a team, solidified his place as one of bowling’s greats.
Mike Lucci
Football
Mike Lucci, born in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, had a standout collegiate career at both the University of Tennessee and the University of Pittsburgh. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 1961 NFL Draft. During his three seasons with the Browns, Lucci contributed to the team’s 1964 NFL Championship victory. In 1965, he was traded to the Detroit Lions, where he would go on to make a lasting impact on their defense over the next nine seasons.
Lucci was a key figure for the Lions, earning team Defensive MVP honors from 1969 to 1971. His exceptional play was recognized across the league, as he was named to the All-NFL team in 1969 and earned NFC All-Conference selections in 1970 and 1971. After the 1971 season, his outstanding performance earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl.
In recognition of his contributions to Michigan sports, Lucci was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. He passed away on October 26, 2021, at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy as one of the Detroit Lions’ most respected defensive players.
Greg Mannino
Skiing, Olympics, Paralympics
Greg Mannino competed in the giant slalom event for the LW2 disability category at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, where he earned a second-place finish. The LW2 category is for athletes who have lost a lower limb above the knee, and Mannino lost his leg at the age of 17 due to electrocution. He was a member of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team from 1986 to 2001 and participated in five Winter Paralympics. Over the course of his career, Mannino won 22 medals in Paralympic and World Alpine Championship events. He made history as the first Paralympic athlete to appear on the cover of Skiing Magazine and was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.
Susan Notorangelo
Cycling
Susan Notorangelo is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in women’s long-distance cycling, with numerous record-breaking achievements that have solidified her legacy in the sport. A founding member of the Ultracycling Hall of Fame, she began her cycling journey in 1975, after being introduced to the sport by a friend training for a cross-country ride. Initially more interested in backpacking and skiing, Notorangelo soon became captivated by cycling, especially after meeting Lon Haldeman, a fellow cyclist who would later become her husband. Their relationship flourished, both personally and professionally, as Notorangelo’s dedication to long-distance cycling grew.
In the early 1980s, Notorangelo made a significant impact on the world of ultracycling. In 1982, she set the Women’s 24-Hour Record with 401.6 miles and went on to break the women’s transcontinental cycling record, completing the journey from Los Angeles to New York in 11 days and 16 hours. This achievement marked the beginning of a string of successes, including setting a mixed tandem 24-hour record with Haldeman in 1986, covering 432.4 miles. Notorangelo also set a transcontinental tandem record with him in 1986, completing the ride in just 9 days and 20 hours. Her groundbreaking efforts were instrumental in challenging and redefining the standards for women’s endurance cycling.
Notorangelo’s crowning achievements came in the Race Across America (RAAM), one of the toughest endurance races in the world. In 1985, she won the women’s division with a time of 10 days, 14 hours, and 25 minutes, showcasing her tenacity and strength. She later returned in 1989 and became the first woman to complete RAAM in under 10 days, setting a new women’s record of 9 days, 9 hours, a mark that would stand until 1995. Notoriously tough and resilient, Notorangelo’s cycling feats went beyond the physical to demonstrate the mental endurance needed for ultra-endurance events. Her perseverance was matched by her approach to challenges, such as dealing with mechanical breakdowns and difficult conditions during races.
After her successful cycling career, Notorangelo shifted her focus to family and business. In 1987, she gave birth to her daughter, Rebecca, and continued to support her husband, Lon Haldeman, in their cycling business, PAC Tour. While cycling remained a hobby for fitness, she reflected on her accomplishments with pride, stating that her greatest achievement was her daughter. Her contributions to the sport, however, are undeniable, as she raised the bar for women’s expectations in ultracycling. John Marino, a RAAM founder, praised her for elevating the field of women’s cycling, while fellow cyclist Muffy Ritz considered her an inspiration. Today, Notorangelo is back working as a nurse and looks forward to retirement and her “zip code tour” to reconnect with the people she met throughout her cycling journey.
John Panelli
Football
John Rocco “Bulldog” Panelli (May 7, 1926 – March 2, 2012) was an American football player known for his standout career at both the collegiate and professional levels. A native of Morristown, New Jersey, Panelli earned all-state honors at Morristown High School and was later recognized by The Star-Ledger for inclusion on its All-Century team, decades after his graduation.
Panelli played college football at the University of Notre Dame, where he honed his skills before making the jump to the professional ranks. He played two seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the Detroit Lions and then spent three more seasons with the Chicago Cardinals, leaving a lasting impact on the teams he played for.
After his football career, Panelli remained a respected figure in his community. He passed away on March 2, 2012, at the age of 85, following a sudden illness.
