Patrimonio, Bates head PBA 'Hall' inductees

MANILA, Philippines - Alvin Patrimonio and former import Billy Ray Bates were among the seven personalities selected for induction into the PBA Hall of Fame this October.

Patrimonio was the face of the Purefoods franchise during his 17 seasons with the team and the only second player in league history to win the coveted MVP trophy four times in 1991, 93, 94 and 97.

Called “The Captain” by his teammates and fans, Patrimonio will be enshrined six years after his retirement in 2005.

On the other hand, Bates was named Best Import of 1983 Reinforced Conference and eventually led the legendary Crispa Redmanizers to win championship.

The “Black Superman” teamed up with former New York Knickerbocker Larry Demic in the succeeding PBA Open Conference as the Redmanizers completed a rare Grandslam.

Known for his crowd-pleasing dunks, Bates returned to the league three years later and joined forces with Michael Hackett during the 1986 PBA Open Conference to give Ginebra San Miguel its first title.

The induction of Patrimonio and Co. will coincide with a spectacular opening ceremony of the PBA’s 37th season on Oct. 2 under a new television partner ABC 5 and AKTV IBC Channel 13.

Also joining Patrimonio and Bates in the PBA Hall of Fame class of 2011 are former MVP Freddie Hubalde of the famed Crispa Redmanizers, Crispa’s grandslam-winning coach Tommy Manotoc, the late commissioner Mariano Yenko, former Mariwasa coach and national team mentor the late Valentin “Tito” Eduque, Vintage Enterprises CEO and president Carlos “Bobong” Velez who held the PBA television franchise for some 20 years and is cited for his major contribution in making the pro league an institution in the everyday lives of millions of Filipinos.

The honors committee deliberated on the nominees submitted by a selection committee and eventually picked seven inductees.

Comprising the selection committee were senior broadcast and sports columnists Quinito Henson of The Philippine Star, PBA Press Corps president and Tempo assistant sports editor Tito Talao, TV commentator and Philippine Daily Inquirer sports columnist Sev Sarmenta, sports columnist Al Mendoza of the Manila Standard, PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial, PBA operations head Rickie Santos, Ex-player representative Patrimonio with TV sports broadcaster and Philippine Daily Inquirer sports columnist Ronnie Nathanielsz as chairman.

The honors committee included PBA commissioner, Atty. Angelico “Chito” Salud, PBA chairman Rene Pardo, vice chairman Atty. Mert Mondragon, past chairman Angelito “Lito” Alvarez, former chairman Carlos “Honeyboy” Palanca, Philippine Sportswriters Association president and Philippine Daily Inquirer sports editor Teddyvic Melendres, The Philippine Star sports editor Lito Tacujan and People’s Journal sports editor Joe Antonio.