About the Hall

In 1975, the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the national Bicentennial Sports Committee, headed by Cleveland’s Commissioner of Recreation John Nagy and Bill Reppa, Supervisor of Physical Education for the Cleveland Public Schools, was actively searching for projects in conjunction with the celebration of the nation’s 200th birthday the following year.

Thus, when Sam Levine, a prominent member of the city’s sports media, suggested the creation of a Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame in May 1975, the committee was quick to act. A Hall of Fame Committee was appointed, composed of Levine as Chairman, Samuel L. Abrams, Robert F. Busby, Frances T. Kaszubski, Jerry Newman, and George Seedhouse.

As a result, the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame was successfully established as a non-profit organization in 1976. Notably, of all recommendations the Bicentennial Committee made for creating new activities for the Celebration Year, the GCSHOF is the only entity that remains today.

The first induction Ceremony was held in 1976, and, with myriad candidates available, 146 Greater Clevelanders were honored for bringing recognition to our region through their notable sports accomplishments. From 1976 through 1996, 375 men and women were inducted across 30-plus sports.

Eligibility for election to the Hall is restricted to those outstanding in their sport or profession who are considered Greater Clevelanders—defined as 1) born or raised in our region or 2) made Greater Cleveland home following their playing days. Our region is defined as a nine-county area, including Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Summit.

While the GCSHOF serves to highlight and honor athletic excellence and meritorious service, in 2021 the organization established the Jack Herrick Youth Sports Fund as its philanthropic mission. And, in 2025, the GCSHOF opened a museum on the campus of Urban Community School, providing a permanent home where the accomplishments and inspirational stories can be shared with all who love sports and believe in its positive impact on our community.

Stewardship of the GCSHOF began with Sam Levine as President from its inception in 1975 to 1981, when the Director of Athletics at Cleveland State University Robert Busby took the reins. In 1996, Jack Herrick, a world-class squash player and 1986 inductee, succeeded Busby until 2022. Bob DiBiasio, a public relations executive for the Cleveland Guardians since 1979, is the current President, ushering in a new era of honoring our rich sports history with the opening of the GCSHOF Museum.

Nominations

Eligibility for election to the Hall is restricted to those outstanding in their sport or profession who are considered Greater Clevelanders—defined as 1) born or raised in our region or 2) made Greater Cleveland home following their playing days. Our region is defined as a nine-county area, including Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Summit.

If you know an athlete or individual who you would like to nominate to be considered as an inductee, fill out our online nomination form.