Mary Carillo
Tennis, Sports Broadcaster
The Peabody Award winning Mary Carillo has been a stand out athlete in women’s tennis both on and off the court. Carillo’s athleticism and skill helped her win the 1977 French Open mixed doubles tournament with childhood friend John McEnroe.
Off the court her wit and sense of humor came through in her broadcasting making her a two time Women’s Tennis Association Broadcaster of the Year (1981, 1985). Recognized for her talented broadcasting, Carillo was selected to provide Olympic coverage for CBS in 1992 and 1994 and then later brought back a third time by NBC to cover the 2006 Olympics.
Mary Carillo is still active in sports media coverage and serves as a correspondent for the HBO program Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. Carillo’s commitment and passion for the sport of Tennis is recognized and applauded by her induction to the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.
Edward J. DeBartolo Jr.
Football, Owner
Edward J. DeBartolo Jr., former owner of the five-time Super Bowl Champion San Francisco 49ers and the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins, has been a dominate figure in the world of sports.
Following in his father’s footsteps of success and achievement, DeBartolo Jr. and the 49ers won five Super bowl Championships (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, and 1994) in what has been described as the “winningest” decade in NFL history. A strong believer in community, DeBartolo Jr. has made considerable donations to his alma maters, Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana and Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown, Ohio.
Alfred Faragalli
Bowling
Alfred (Lindy) Faragalli was a bowler who could perform under pressure. In 1957 Lindy bowled a perfect game before a live studio audience in Chicago and won the $10,000 jackpot. Success continued for Lindy who one year later won the ABC Title Championship. Faragalli’s skill and precision made him a force to be reckoned with during his professional bowling career, most notably with the Faber Cement Blocks.
In 1968 the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame acknowledged his contributions and dedication to the sport of bowling by making him an honorary inductee. In celebration of Lindy’s outstanding professional career and notable accomplishments the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame has decided to posthumously induct Alfred (Lindy) Faragalli with the class of 2008.
John Franco
Baseball
John Franco, a former left-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, played for three National League teams from 1984 to 2005, primarily the New York Mets. Franco displayed his talent on the field at St. John’s University in Queens, where he pitched two no-hitters his freshman year. But that was only the beginning of John Franco’s record-breaking baseball career. In addition to holding the record for most career saves by a left hander and 3rd in major league history at 424, Franco also holds the National League record and 3rd in major league history for his 1,119 career games pitched.
Franco was also selected to the all-star team an impressive four times and 2-time Rolaids Relief Man of the Year. In addition, Franco was also the 2001 recipient of the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, presented to a player who demonstrates his character and integrity both on and off the field.
John Gagliardi
Football, Coach
The all-time winningest coach in college football history, John Gagliardi of Saint John’s University became the first active head coach to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. Gagliardi ended the 2007 season with a 453-122-11 (.782) collegiate career record and a 429-116-10 (.782) record at Saint John’s University. Gagliardi’s 59 years of collegiate coaching is the most in college football history. Gagliardi’s teams have won 28 conference titles and have appeared in 56 post-season games.
In the past 41 years, Saint John’s University has been nationally ranked 40 times, and has a 39-17 postseason record. In 1993 under Gagliardi, Saint John’s University averaged 61.5 points per game, setting a record that might never be broken. The same year, the Gagliardi Trophy was unveiled honoring the nation’s outstanding Division III football player of the year. In recognition of Gagliardi’s stellar football career, the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame has selected him for induction with the Class of 2008.
Eddie Giacomin
Hockey
It is easy to see why Eddie Giacomin is such a fan favorite when looking at his impressive NHL career. Giacomin is a six time NHL All-Star, 25th in the NHL’s All Time career wins with 289, 19th in career shutouts with 52, and co-winner of the 1971 Vezina trophy recognizing the best goalie in the game for that year.
Eddie is known for his acrobatic goaltending style between the pipes and for his aggressive wandering away from the goal to help the defense and sometimes even the offense. Giacomin was inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame in 1987, who would have thought that the kid who was told he wasn’t good enough for junior hockey would one day be in the Hall of Fame. To show their appreciation for Eddie’s time with the New York Rangers, they retired his # 1 in 1989.
Giacomin is still till this day considered a legend with hockey fans, especially his beloved New York Ranger fans. The legacy Eddie left with the New York Rangers has made him a standout in sports history and worthy of recognition, the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame is honored to welcome Eddie Giacomin.
Kelly Amonte Hiller
Lacrosse Player and Coach
While still in school at Maryland, Kelly Amonte Hiller was already well known for her lacrosse skills, taking home the honor of 1995-1996 NCAA Division I Lacrosse Player of the Year. Her impressive career continued as she moved from player to coach. As head lacrosse coach at Northwestern University, Hiller shattered many school and NCAA records. She led the Wildcats to an amazing sixth-straight American Lacrosse Conference championship and the fourth straight National championship.
Her accomplishments also include being twice named the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Division I National Coach of the Year. In 2000, Hiller was ranked 21st on Sports Illustrated list of Massachusetts Greatest Sports Figures in the 20th Century. Beginning in 2002, her stunning career with Northwestern boasts a 111-24 overall record.
Frank Lentine
Softball
All-star Frank “Frankie” Lentine played professional 16 inch softball for 27 years with such legendary teams as Cherry lounge, the Jokers, Rogues, and the Bobcats. Frankie’s impressive softball career is highlighted with awards and honors throughout his 27 years of playing. Some of these include MVP for all regional tournaments between 1963 and 1968, selection for the All American Tournaments from 1969-1974, and the All State Team from 1970-1972. Lentine has proved he can stand the test of time by playing in every Regional ASA Metro tournament from 1960-1984. In 1972 Frankie was named MVP once again, this time for the ASA National Tournament.
With a lifetime batting average of a whopping .600 plus, Frankie slugged his way to win five National Championships. As a member of the 16 inch Softball Hall of Fame, Frankie’s raw talent and commitment to the world of sport continue today coaching youngsters with the Chicago Park District. Frank Lentine’s passion and commitment for softball has endured for over 40 years, we honor his achievements and hard work by warmly inviting Mr. Lentine to join the Class of 2008’s National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame inductees.
Art Martori
Wrestling
Art Martori has been an exemplary leader and role model in the sport of wrestling for over 30 years. At Arizona State University, Martori made a name for himself in wrestling as a talented and ambitious competitor.
After his competitive professional career Art put his wrestling skills and leadership to work and founded the Sunkist Kids wrestling club in 1976. Art’s mission for the Sunkist Kids was to create a program that could assist elite athletes to develop into world-class champions. The Sunkist Kids have an impeccable record; they have won every USA Wrestling National Freestyle team title from 1983 to present day.
Martori was selected as the president of USA Wrestling and during his short tenure as president the USA Wrestling team won its first world team title in freestyle wrestling. Martori’s leadership and abilities to mold talented youth into world class athletes earned him the honor of being selected as a distinguished member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Here at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame we too recognize Art Martori’s contributions and hard work over the years by inviting him to join the class of 2008.
Phil Mickelson
Golf
Phil Mickelson picked up a golf club when he was only 18 months old, mirroring his father’s swing so well that even though he was right handed at everything else, he developed a mighty left handed swing. Mickelson continued his golfing at Arizona State University where he was able to fine tune his skills on the course.
The year 1992 was a very memorable one for Phil; he graduated college with a degree in Psychology and made his PGA début at the US Open. Since his début, Phil has achieved 33 PGA wins earning him a much deserved spot as number 13 on the all time wins list. Mickelson won the 2004 and 2006 Masters as well as the 2005 PGA Championship making him only the second golfer in twenty years to have won three major championships in three consecutive years. Further testimony to Mickelson’s remarkable talent is the fact that he is the only U.S. player to appear in all seven President’s Cups and has also been selected for five Ryder Cup teams.
Recognizing the importance of passing down the great tradition of golf, Mickelson serves as co-Chairman of the American Junior Golf Association where he helps youngsters achieve their own dreams of becoming Golf Champions. It is our honor to welcome Mickelson to National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame with the rest of this years inductees.
John Smith
Wrestling
John Smith is truly a giant in the sport of wrestling, under the guidance of fellow inductee Art Martori and the Sunkist Kids, Smith achieved unimaginable success. Smith’s impressive resume includes two time Olympic Freestyle Champion, two time World Cup Champion, two time Goodwill Games Champion, two time Pan American Champion, two time FILA Senior World Freestyle Champion, and four time USA Senior Freestyle Champion. His accomplishments on the mat have been recognized and celebrated around the world, he was the first American to be honored Master of Technique and Wrestler of the Year by the International Wrestling Federation (FILA), the first wrestler ever nominated for the World Trophy, which he received in 1992, and was recognized as one of the 100 Greatest Olympians of All Time at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
Smith has not only proudly represented his country but also the ancient Sport of Wrestling itself. In 1997 Smith was inducted as a Distinguished Member into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, and in 2003 he was honored internationally by the FILA Hall of Fame. Smith now coaches Oklahoma State University Wrestling Team, who under Smith’s leadership, have won five national titles. We celebrate John Smith’s accomplishments both as a coach and a world class wrestler through his induction to the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.
Louis Zamperini
Track, Olympian, “Unbroken” Film
Louis Zamperini’s story of heroism and perseverance could very easily be the screenplay for a blockbuster hit. Zamperini’s faith, athleticism and leadership have enabled him to negotiate every obstacle in his path. With the encouragement of his brother, Zamperini started running as a kid to stay out of trouble, little did he know that one day he would become one of the world’s greatest mile runners. At the University of Southern California, Lou set a national collegiate record for the mile in 1938; his time was an incredible 4:08.3. Two years prior Lou was a proud member of the 1936 US Olympic squad.
When his country needed him the most, Lou joined the Army Air Corps and served as a bombardier on a B-24, flying missions over the pacific. In May 1943 Lou’s plane went down during a routine rescue mission, he and two other crew members miraculously survived the crash. Lou managed to survive for the next 47 days on a life raft despite strafing attacks by the enemy and with almost no food or water. Just when things looked like they couldn’t get any worse, Lou and his surviving crew member were captured by the Japanese. Lou was held as a POW for two and a half years during which time he was threatened with death, starved, tortured, and beaten regularly. Back home Lou’s family was informed that he had been killed in combat; his mother never gave up hope that her son would one day return home safely. That hope was proved with Lou’s triumphant return from the war in September 1945.
Since his return to the states, Lou has shared his story and strengthened faith with thousands each year. Remembering how sports kept him off the streets as a youth, Zamperini started an outward bounds camp to benefit troubled boys. Lou’s faith, hard work, and perseverance provide a role model for thousands of kids and are worth recognition and celebration. Among his many accolades, Lou was recently awarded with the 2008 Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Two years before setting a national collegiate record for the mile at the University of Southern California, with a time of 4:08.3, Louis Zamperini was a proud member of the 1936 US Olympic squad. However, when his country needed him most, Zamperini joined the Army Air Corps in World War II, where, in 1943, he was captured, after a plane crash & 47 days adrift in the ocean, by the Japanese Navy and held as an American Prisoner of war until the end of the war. Zamperini is the subject of two biographies Devil at my Heels and Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience & Redemption, which was adapted into the film Unbroken, directed by Angelina Jolie.
