Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

The Deputy Commandant of the United States Marine Corps for Manpower and Reserve Affairs LtGen. Mark A. Brilakis, will host the 2017 United States Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 6 p.m., July 12, 2017, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Va.

The 37th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller will induct four sports legends at a dinner ceremony that will celebrate their military and athletic achievements. Inductees include:  the families who will be accepting the award on behalf of the deceased 1937 NFL Championship Redskins Football Player Clifford Battles; the families who will be accepting the award on behalf of the deceased 1991 International Boxing Hall of Fame member Tommy Loughran, known as “The Phantom of Philly;” current Robert Morris University Head Football Coach John Arthur Banaszak; and a video message from the current Manager of the Washington Nationals, Johnnie B. "Dusty" Baker.

The United States Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame honors former Marines who have excelled both on and off the athletic playing field. In the year 2000, Gen. Jones directed Manpower and Reserve Affairs; Semper Fit to develop initiatives to better publicize and recognize the Marine Corps Sports Program and the success of Marine Corps athletes.  In the year 2001, the first five Marines were inducted into the Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame at a ceremony held at Marine Barracks 8th and I, Washington D.C.  This year’s Sports Hall of Fame inductees will be enshrined in the National Museum of the Marine Corps. 

Forty-four former Marines have been selected for the Hall of Fame since it was founded in 2001. Past inductees include baseball legend Ted Williams, Olympic great Robert B. Mathias, International Boxing Hall of Fame member Ken Norton, and golf legend Lee Trevino. 

The ceremony is by invitation only.  For more information about Marine Corps Sports Programs click here.

	Johnnie B. "Dusty" Baker Johnnie B. "Dusty" Baker was born in Riverside, California on June 15, 1949. Baker attended the Del Campo High School in Carmichael, Calif., where he competed in baseball, basketball, football, and track. In 1967, the Atlanta Braves drafted Baker where he began his baseball career as an outfielder. Click here to read the full bio.
	John Arthur Banaszak John Arthur Banaszak was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 24, 1950. He developed a passion for sports at an early age that lead him to participate in multiple sports during his high school career.  A 1968 graduate of Holy Name High School, John lettered in the sports of track and field, basketball, and football.  After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Click here to read the full bio.
	Clifford Battles Clifford Battles was born on 1 May 1910, in Akron, Ohio. Upon graduation of High School, Battles attended West Virginia Wesleyan College. During college he played football, baseball, basketball, tennis, and ran track. Battles however, excelled at football. Click here to read the full bio.