One of the best-loved and greatest catchers of all time—and the most-quoted man in baseball. “I never blame myself when I’m not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up I change bats … After all, if I know it isn’t my fault that I’m not...
Learn more
A major league ballplayer–and a well-loved soap opera star. John Beradino’s mother wanted to see her son’s name in lights; his father wanted him to be a famous ball player. In the end, he would end up living up to both expectations. Beradino...
Learn more
A former champion, Nino Benvenuti is considered by many, including noted boxing writer Brian Doogan, to be the greatest boxer ever to come from Italy. As an amateur welterweight boxer, he won the Italian title in 1956-60, the European title in...
Learn more
Kicker, punter, All-American and Heisman Trophy-winning halfback. Born March 13, 1938, in Winchester, Massachusetts, Joe Bellino gained attention at the US Naval Academy, where he was a starting halfback for three years. The 5’9″, 180-pound...
Learn more
One of the great quarterbacks in college football history, Gary Beban returned UCLA to gridiron glory in the late 1960s. Gary Beban became the varsity quarterback of the UCLA Bruins during a lean cycle. But as the starter, from 1965-67, Beban...
Learn more
A prototype for the modern NFL tight end with two trips to the Super Bowl on his resume. A mainstay on the New York Giants during the 1986 and 1990 Super Bowl champion seasons, few tight ends in NFL history can match Mark Bavaro’s overall skills...
Learn more
A whirlwind of energy and intensity in the ring, Batt Battalino was a slugging featherweight who took on all comers. Though given the name Christopher at birth, Battling Battalino was a fitting nickname for this champ, who ran an up an impressive...
Learn more
One of the toughest, most-decorated, and best-loved boxing champions of the 1950s. A boxer unafraid to take on the toughest foes in his division, Carmen Basilio crafted a fine record during one of the toughest ages in boxing history. With 56 wins...
Learn more
Tom Barrasso was drafted as the fifth overall choice in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. At the time, Barrasso was the highest drafted goalie in history, and he didn’t disappoint. Immediately, the 18-year-old Barrasso made an...
Learn moreNational Italian American Sports Hall of Fame © 2021 All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
