It hasn’t been a great year decade generation for Fordham basketball fans. I know, because I’m one of them. This year’s squad is 2-15, including a current 10-game losing streak, and with Temple next up on the schedule, it would take quite an upset to break that string.
But Saturday will be special at Fordham, home of Frankie Frisch, as it’s Athletics Hall of Fame Day, with noted alum Michael Kay presiding over the ceremony. Another Bronx institution, the Yankees, will have another connection as the team’s 2009 World Series Trophy will be on display for alums and fans to view and take photos with during the ceremony and the Rams vs. Owls at the Rose Hill Gym (1 p.m).
From the Rams:
Yankees World Championship Trophy Pays Visit To Fordham University Rose Hill Campus This Sat., Jan., 23
***27th World Series Hardware treks up the Deegan to be displayed at Fordham Athletics Hall of Fame ceremonies, and during Rams vs. Temple Men’s Basketball Game***
New York, January 21, 2010—The New York Yankees 2009 World Championship Trophy will depart from Yankee Stadium, travel north on the Major Deegan Expressway, across Fordham Road, and arrive at another venerable Bronx institution – Fordham University – this Saturday, January 23, from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm for a special visit to the Rose Hill Campus.
Fordham will play host to the World Series hardware – the Bronx Bombers 27th championship trophy – will be on display during Fordham Athletics’ Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in the McGinley Center , and later at the Rams vs. Temple men’s basketball game at the Rose Hill Gymnasium. The public is welcomed (tickets for the Hall of Fame brunch are priced at $50 adults/$25 students and children, while game tickets are priced at $10 for adults and $5 for children).
An astounding number of Fordham connections helped the visit the visit to materialize. Recent Fordham/WFUV alum Ryan Ruocco (’08) tipped off executive athletic director Frank McLaughlin (‘69) with the brainchild. The idea was hatched because Michael Kay (’82), YES Network’s Yankees play by play voice and 1050 ESPN Radio host is Master of Ceremonies for the Hall of Fame proceedings. Ruocco works with Kay at both YES and ESPN. McLaughlin went into action, contacting a pair of Fordham grads now with the Yankees, Assistant Director of Corporate/Community Relations Rocky Halsey (’98) and Director of Stadium Tours Tony Morante (’79), who will escort the trophy to his alma mater.
Men’s swimming record holder Akira Kosugi (CBA ‘96), football Patriot League champions and 2004 graduates Kirwin Watson (FCRH), wide receiver Javarus Dudley (CBA) and quarterback Kevin Eakin (FCRH), Ioana Dragan (CBA ‘02, Women’s Tennis), and Sophie Namy (FCRH ‘00 Rowing) – champions all – will be inducted into the hallowed Fordham halls, where they join the likes of Frankie Frisch, Vince Lombardi, Wellington Mara and Vin Scully in the Fordham pantheon, with the Yankees championship trophy present and accounted for.