Missouri Sports Hall of Fame facts for kids
| Established | 1994 |
|---|---|
| Location | 3861 East Stan Musial Drive, Springfield, Missouri, United States |
| Visitors | 10,000 Annually |
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame is a special place in Springfield, Missouri, United States. It was started in 1994 by a businessman named John Q. Hammons. The Hall of Fame is a large building, about 32,000 square feet, with two floors.
Inside, you can see more than 4,000 cool items from the world of sports. These include things like old uniforms, trophies, and equipment. The exhibits show off the history of both amateur (like high school or college) and professional sports in Missouri.
You can also try out some fun interactive games! Imagine yourself driving a NASCAR race car, stepping up to bat against a real Major League Baseball pitcher, or throwing football passes. It's a great way to feel like a sports star! Right next to the Hall of Fame is the Legends Walk of Fame. This outdoor area has statues and busts of famous Missouri sports heroes who have received the yearly Legends Award.
How People Get Into the Hall of Fame
To be chosen for the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, people and teams need to meet certain rules. They must have been born in Missouri, played their sports career in Missouri, or helped sports in Missouri in some important way. This includes both amateur and professional athletes.
A special group of people, called a selection board, looks at all the nominees. They pick a new group of inductees each year. Over time, more and more people have been chosen. Now, instead of everyone traveling to Springfield, smaller events are held around the state to celebrate the new members.
Famous Inductees
Many amazing athletes, coaches, and others who helped sports have been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. These are people who made a big difference in their sports.
Some of the famous baseball players include Stan Musial, George Brett, Ozzie Smith, and Lou Brock. From basketball, you can find names like Bill Bradley and Jackie Stiles. In football, legends like Len Dawson, Jackie Smith, Willie Lanier, and Isaac Bruce have been honored.
Other sports are also well-represented. For example, the incredible track and field star Jackie Joyner-Kersee is an inductee. Golfing greats like Tom Watson and Payne Stewart are also recognized. Even boxing champions like Leon Spinks and auto racing stars like Rusty Wallace are part of this special group. The Hall of Fame celebrates a wide variety of sports and the talented people from Missouri who excelled in them.
More Sports Halls of Fame
- University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame
- California Sports Hall of Fame#History
- St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame
