Takoma Park, believe it or not, has been the home of several important sports figures over the years. Both past and present, some of these athletes and sports-related folk are not only well known locally, but also nationally. One man on the list is even an international icon.
Today we induct five local stars into the Official Patch.com Takoma Park Sports Hall of Fame.
1. Steve Francis, NBA, 1999-2008
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Francis grew up in Takoma Park. He attended Montgomery Blair High School, the University of Maryland and then played for the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic and New York Knicks over a 10-year professional basketball career. Although his exit from the NBA was rather unceremonious, he holds career averages of 18 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds per game as a pro.
2. Dave Zirin, Professional Sports Writer, The Nation, SLAM Magazine
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Zirin is a current Takoma Park resident, and the writer of five thought-provoking books that draw a hyphen between athletics and politics. He is considered by some experts in his field to be the most exciting and honest member of the younger crowd of sports journalists in this country. For a list of his best work, .
3. Steve Barber, MLB, 1960-1974
Barber was born in Takoma Park and attended Blair. The year after his 1956 graduation from high school, he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles as a pitcher. Over the course of his major league career, Barber amassed a record of 121-106 with a 3.36 ERA and 1,309 strikeouts. He was an all-star in 1963 and 1966, and also pitched for the New York Yankees, Seattle Pilots, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, California Angels and over the course of his career.
4. Dominique Dawes, Gymnastics, 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist
The truth is, Dawes is from Silver Spring. She went to Blair though, and that connection really is enough considering her athletic prowess. Dawes won her first gold medal of note at the age of 16 at the 1993 U.S. Senior Nationals for her performance on the uneven bars. Three years later, her team won gold at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
5. Sylvester Stallone, Rocky
Okay so here's another Silver Spring guy. Stallone lived in the area from ages 6 to 16. But let's be realistic here. Even in those tender years, his muscles were visible from at least Montgomery College, if not even further into the Takoma Park city limits. So it counts.
6. Fred Funk, Golfer, PGA and Champions Tour
Funk was born in Takoma Park and attended the University of Maryland before becoming a professional golfer in 1989. As a PGA pro, Funk won 8 tour events. Since joining the Champions Tour (senior tour) in 2006, Funk has won 6 tournaments, including the 2009 U.S. Senior Open. He tied for 16th place in this year's Senior Players Championship, which was held in Potomac.
Don't get mad at me Takoma Park. I know two of these inductees might be questionable. Let's at least call them honorable inductees though. After all, we wouldn't want to anger Rambo.
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