Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame celebrated its 45th annual gala on Nov. 15 at Belvedere Banquets in Elk Grove Village.
More than 700 attendees witnessed the induction of NBA star Chris Corchiani, ESPN national correspondent Sal Paolantonio, NFL pioneer Bruno Banducci, wrestling great Lou Albano, baseball pioneer Philomena Gianfrancisco and boxing referee Johnny LoBianco.
NBA legend and television personality Mike Fratello received the Mario Andretti Lifetime Achievement Award, Teamster official Joe Martucci was the Sportsman of the Year and Roberto Clemente High School baseball coach Richard Tomoleoni was a regional inductee.
Paralympic champion and past NIASHF inductee Linda Mastandrea presented a Regional Inductee Medal to Special Olympics’ 10-sport champion Caroline Colianne. Local high school baseball phenom Josh Colaizzi was also honored.
Show-biz icon Tony Orlando received the Tommy Lasorda Award in Sports and Entertainment. Los Angeles Angels television announcer Wayne Randazzo was the master of ceremonies.
Rocky Marciano Jr. acknowledged NIASHF’s support of the Rocky Marciano Boyhood Home in Brockton, Massachusetts. Mico Licastro, the U.S. representative of the Italian National Olympic Committee, announced a collaboration with NIASHF to involve American youth of Italian descent in his organization’s activities.
“This was one of the more emotional ceremonies we’ve had,” NIASHF President Ron Onesti said. “Having Rocky Marciano Jr. and Tommy Lasorda’s daughter, Laura, there brought a level of warmth that was felt by all.”
The new Hall of Fame is currently slated to open in the fall of 2025.
