A group of notable athletes and coaches will be inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame as part of its 2025 class. The seven individuals represent four sports, including football, baseball, softball, and motocross. The induction ceremony is scheduled for November at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.
Keyna Cory, Chair of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame board, stated: “We are excited to be able to recognize such a talented and accomplished class who have all contributed tremendously to their respective sports. Their contributions to their sports and their communities make this a remarkable class. We are honored to welcome them as the newest members of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.”
The announcement took place at a reception at the Florida Sports Hall of Fame Museum in Port St. Lucie.
The inductees include:
– Lonni Alameda, head coach of the Florida State University softball team for 17 seasons, has led her team to five Women’s College World Series final sites in recent years and won an NCAA National Championship in 2018.
– Mike Alstott played twelve seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was part of their Super Bowl-winning 2002 season. He holds multiple franchise records for touchdowns and Pro Bowl appearances by an offensive player.
– Trey Burton attended Venice High School before playing college football at the University of Florida. He later played in the NFL with several teams and was part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LII win.
– Ricky Carmichael is recognized as one of motocross’s most successful competitors, earning fifteen AMA championships and setting records for career wins.
– Jim Leyland managed Major League Baseball teams including leading the Florida Marlins to a World Series title in 1997. He is one of only eleven managers to take three different teams to postseason play.
– Clyde Metcalf returned to Sarasota High School as head baseball coach in 1981, achieving over 950 wins during his tenure along with national accolades.
– Dave Wills served as a broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays for eighteen seasons until his death in March 2023. He was known for his enthusiastic calls during games.
Since its founding in 1961, the Florida Sports Hall of Fame has held annual enshrinement ceremonies across various locations statewide. This year marks Bradenton’s first time hosting such an event.
Two days are planned for celebrations: a VIP event on November 18 at LECOM Park—home field for spring training with ties dating back decades—and the official induction ceremony on November 19.
The organization continues its mission by honoring influential figures from Florida’s sporting history while supporting youth participation through event proceeds and fundraising efforts focused on underserved areas across the state. More information about exhibits featuring prominent athletes like Jack Nicklaus, Bobby Bowden, Don Garlits, Andy Bean, Chris Evert, Bob Griese and others can be found on https://www.flasportshof.org/
For details regarding sponsorships or media inquiries, contact Ginger Kane at ginger@flasportshof.org.
