15 NEW MEMBERS ENSHRINED AT CEREMONIES  

The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall inducted the class of 2018 at a gala event attended by more than 900 on October 9th at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. All of this year’s inductees were in attendance, along with family members inducted posthumously. This event marked the 28th class to be inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception in 1991, bringing the total of Hall of Fame members to 330.

Thank you to all who attended to support and honor our inductees for their many sporting accomplishment and commitment to the community.

Thank you also to all our sponsors who helped make this year’s event another great success. A portion of the evening’s proceeds also go to support the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame Amateur Sports Development Fund.

Watch for information here on the broadcast of the night’s induction ceremonies on WBBZ- TV, and the addition of photos in our photo gallery.

The 2018 Induction Class includes:

• Werner “Babe” Birrer (D) – Major League and Buffalo Bison pitcher
• Bill Bradshaw – Highly acclaimed college administrator
• Gina Castelli – Canisius College standout hoopster and college coach
• John Faller – Champion Sweet Home football and lacrosse coach
• James Hewson (D) – Track and field Olympian
• Marv Hubbard (D) – Three-time NFL All-Pro fullback
• “Baby” Joe Mesi – Golden Gloves Champion and undefeated heavyweight boxer
• Lonnie Nielsen – PGA golfer and senior tour champion
• Barry Smith – Legendary NHL coach, administrator, Stanley Cup champion
• Louise, Estelle & Mary Weigel (D) – Figure skating champions
• Jimmy Williams & Rickey Williams – College and professional basketball standouts
• Jeff Yeates – NFL player and college football standout

(D) Indicates the honoree is being inducted posthumously.

The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have enhanced our lives with their performances and commitment to Western New York sports, an effort surpassed only by the positive impressions they have left on our athletes of tomorrow.