Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame facts for kids

The Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame is a special place in North Little Rock, Arkansas, that celebrates amazing athletes and sports teams from all over Arkansas. It's like a museum where you can learn about the history of sports in the state. The Hall of Fame first welcomed new members in 1959. You can find the museum inside the Simmons Bank Arena.

This Hall of Fame honors men, women, and teams from many different sports. These sports range from football to fishing. People from all 75 counties in Arkansas have been chosen for this honor.

What is the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame?

The Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame is a place where the best athletes, coaches, and sports figures from Arkansas are recognized. It's a way to remember their achievements and contributions to sports. When someone is "inducted," it means they are officially added to the Hall of Fame.

How Inductees Are Chosen

Each year, a group of new members is chosen to join the Hall of Fame. These people are picked because they have done something amazing in sports. They might be famous players, successful coaches, or even people who have helped sports grow in Arkansas. About five new people are added each year.

Where to Find the Museum

The museum is located in North Little Rock, Arkansas. It's on the west side of the Simmons Bank Arena. This makes it easy for visitors to explore the exhibits and learn about Arkansas's sports heroes.

Honoring Arkansas Sports Heroes

Since 1959, many talented individuals have been honored by the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. These inductees come from various sports and backgrounds. They represent the rich history of sports in the state.

Notable Inductees Over the Years

Many famous athletes and coaches have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Here are a few examples of people who have been honored:

• In 1959, Bill Dickey, a famous baseball player, was one of the first to be inducted.
• Travis Jackson, another baseball star, joined the Hall in 1960.
• Lon Warneke, a well-known baseball pitcher, was inducted in 1961.
• Maurice Britt, a war hero and athlete, was honored in 1972.
• More recently, in 2014, Harry Vines was inducted for his work with wheelchair basketball.
• In 2018, Shawn Andrews, a football player, joined the Hall.
• Denny Flynn, a rodeo champion, was inducted in 2019.
• Kevin Kelley, a successful football coach, was honored in 2021.
• Tommy Brasher, a football coach, was inducted in 2022.

Other Famous Inductees

Many other incredible athletes and sports figures are also part of the Hall of Fame. Some of these include:

• Ron Calcagni
• Leon Campbell
• George Cole
• Walt Coleman
• Ben Cowins
• Todd Day
• Quinn Grovey
• Ray Hamilton
• Ed Hamm
• John Hoffman
• Cliff Lee
• Haeng Ung Lee
• Lee Mayberry
• Leslie O'Neal
• Gene Ratliff
• Ulysses Reed
• Jack Robbins
• Brooks Robinson
• Billy Ray Smith, Sr.
• Barry Switzer
• R. C. Thielemann
• Scotty Thurman
• Corliss Williamson