Arkansas Sports Legends Live On in the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame

By Kerry Kraus, travel writer
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism


North Little Rock -- Some of the names you recognize instantly: basketball’s Scottie Pippen, former National Football League player and color commentator Pat Summerall, legendary college football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, Baseball Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson, catcher Bill Dickey, also enshrined in Cooperstown for his years with the New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and popular NASCAR driver Mark Martin – just to name a few. Some are not as well known but are just as important in their own right. And they all have one thing in common. They are members of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame located in North Little Rock’s Alltel Arena.

Exhibits include Mark Martin’s first race car, a helmet and fire suit. Former Arkansas Razorback and Denver Bronco Steve Atwater’s jersey, Hazel Walker’s uniform from when she was considered the greatest female basketball player in the country, and more are on display.

If pro football is your thing, then don’t miss the wall dedicated to Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys. Included are Super Bowl championship rings and trophy replicas representing those amassed by “America’s Team.” Fancy yourself a sportscaster? You can make your own tape of calling a game, just like Pat Summerall, in the broadcast booth exhibit named in honor of the legendary sports personality. Other players’ items presented include Steve Atwater (Arkansas Razorbacks, Denver Broncos), Roy Green, former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers’ all-time sacks leader, L.C. Greenwood and Loyd Phillips, the state’s only Outland Trophy winner in college football. Pro Football Hall of Famers Willie Davis (Green Bay Packers) and Lance Alworth (San Diego Chargers) and Dallas Cowboy Ring of Honor member Cliff Harris are others.

Interested in baseball? You’ll find exhibits on Hall of Famer New York Yankee Bill Dickey, for whom the nearby Dickey-Stephens ballpark is named. Other well-known ball players include Johnny Sain, Lynwood "Schoolboy" Rowe, George Kell, the aforementioned Brooks Robinson, Jerome (Dizzy) Dean and the latest – Torii Hunter.

Basketball is well represented here as well. Reece (Goose) Tatum, the original clown prince of basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters, is a member as is a fellow Globetrotter Hubert (Geese) Ausbie. Scottie Pippen, one-half of the Chicago Bulls’ dynamic duo along with Michael Jordan, NBA journeyman Joe Kleine and Hazel Walker, one of the first major women professional basketball players in the country, are among those that represent the pro ranks.

Some of the recognizable golfers in the museum include current tour member John Daly, former Ryder Cup members Miller Barber, Tommy Bolt and Dutch Harrison. Track is well illustrated with items from Olympic silver medalist Al Joyner, Olympic gold and silver medalist Mike Conley, Olympic record holder Eddie Hamm, Bill Carr, winner of a gold medal in 1931, and silver medal winner Clyde Scott.

Interactive exhibits include touch kiosks featuring Mark Martin, Pat Summerall, Paul Eells and other inductees, plus Wii sports games. TheArkansas Sports Hall of Fame is located at #3 Alltel Arena Way.

Other Arkansas Sports Related Museums

Down the street from the hall of fame is Dickey-Stephens Park, home of the Arkansas Travelers, the AA farm team for the Los Angeles Angels. Located inside the ballpark is the Arkansas Travelers Museum, where plaques honor former Travelers who are now in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

In Fayetteville on the University of Arkansas Campus, theJerry Jones–Jim Lindsey Hall of Champions commemorates the over 100 years of Razorback football history. Historical photographs, displays as well as interactive video exhibits depict the Hogs’ colorful legacy. Over in Bud Walton Arena, also on campus, is the Tommy Boyer Hall of Champions, where the basketball, baseball and track programs are covered. Traditional exhibits and interactive ones showcase the heritage.

One of the best drivers in NASCAR history, Batesville native Mark Martin, has a showplace of his own in his hometown. The state-of-the-art facility features several of Martin’s past cars, including the No. 6 Viagra Coca-Cola 600 win car, the ’90 Folgers Thunderbird, the No. 60 Win Dixie Busch car, Martin’s 2005 IROC car that he used to win his record fifth championship, and the ’89 Stroh's Thunderbird. Each car is a part of a display that includes hi-tech mantrons which tell the story of each piece of history. A variety of other memorabilia, such as some of his past race helmets and fire suits, plus lots of photos and clippings, are also here.

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Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201
501-682-7606
E-mail: [email protected]

May be used without permission. Credit line is appreciated:
"Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism"