Florida Sports Hall of Fame Honors Seven New Inductees at Bradenton Ceremony
The Florida Sports Hall of Fame welcomed seven new members during a celebratory enshrinement ceremony Wednesday night at the newly renovated Bradenton Area Convention Center. For the first time, the annual event was held in Manatee County, drawing sports legends, community leaders, and fans from across the state. Fox Sports broadcaster and 2022 Hall of Fame inductee Pam Oliver hosted the evening program.
This year’s induction class represents excellence across football, baseball, softball, and motocross, highlighting careers that shaped Florida’s sports landscape for decades.
Lonni Alameda – Florida State Softball Head Coach
Alameda, one of the most successful coaches in NCAA softball, has built Florida State University into a national powerhouse. Under her leadership, the Seminoles secured multiple Women’s College World Series appearances and won the national championship in 2018. Alameda is known for her player development, consistency, and the program’s sustained dominance in the ACC.
Mike Alstott – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A fan favorite known as the A-Train, Alstott spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The six-time Pro Bowler was instrumental in the franchise’s rise, including its Super Bowl XXXVII victory. Alstott’s powerful running style and community involvement made him one of the most iconic athletes in Tampa Bay history.
Trey Burton – Florida Gators, NFL Tight End, Venice High School Graduate
Burton starred at the University of Florida before an NFL career that included time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, and Indianapolis Colts. He is widely remembered for his role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory, where he threw the touchdown pass in the famed “Philly Special” trick play. A Venice native, Burton remains a celebrated local figure.
Ricky Carmichael – Motocross Legend
Often called the Greatest of All Time in motocross, Carmichael dominated the sport with multiple AMA Motocross and Supercross championships. His unmatched record includes 10 Motocross titles and five Supercross titles, along with two perfect seasons. Carmichael later transitioned into stock car racing and remains a major figure in motorsports.
Jim Leyland – Major League Baseball Manager
Leyland spent 22 seasons as an MLB manager, leading teams including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers, and Colorado Rockies. He guided the Marlins to a World Series championship in 1997 and also won three pennants with Detroit. Leyland’s leadership, longevity, and impact on player development earned him national acclaim.
Clyde Metcalf – Sarasota High School Baseball Coach
Metcalf is one of Florida’s most accomplished high school baseball coaches, spending more than four decades with Sarasota High School. His teams captured multiple state championships, and he earned over 900 career wins. Metcalf is recognized for developing generations of athletes and building one of the state’s most respected prep baseball programs.
Dave Wills – Tampa Bay Rays Broadcaster (Posthumous)
Wills served as the radio voice of the Tampa Bay Rays for 18 seasons, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in Florida sports media. Known for his chemistry with co-announcer Andy Freed and his energetic play-by-play style, Wills built a deep connection with fans across the region. He passed away in 2023 but remains an enduring part of the Rays’ legacy.
Wednesday’s ceremony marked a milestone for both the Hall of Fame and Manatee County, which hosted the event in conjunction with the unveiling of the convention center’s newly expanded facilities. The evening highlighted the state’s athletic heritage while celebrating the stories and achievements of this year’s exceptional class.
