How I Found Out I Was Elected Into the GLSHOF

The Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet has been postponed until next year because of COVID-19. The banquet always takes place in our Lansing Center in downtown Lansing. That’s where the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame is located.

The man responsible for the growth of this very special venue is Bob Every. Bob is a friend, mentor and almost like the big brother I never had. He got me involved in the ceremony years ago. He had me on stage with him introducing some of newly elected inductees.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get elected into The Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame. But, on a Sunday in January, I received a text from Tim Staudt. He said, "Dave you might want to watch the Sunday Staudt on Sports Show." So, just for the heck of it, I ran some errands, came back to our home, turned on channel 10 and saw that Tim was talking with Bob Every about who was newly elected into The Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame. At the top of the list was my good friend Perry Costello whom I played high school baseball with at Lansing Catholic Central. Perry and I have been close since eighth grade. He was an excellent athlete is his own right but found his calling in professional and amateur umpiring. He is regarded as the top umpire in all amateur sports in the United States.

Then, under Perry’s name I saw my name David DeMarco for sports broadcasting. I was floored and broke down. I first called my wife Carole and left a voicemail, then called my close friend Tom Matt. I couldn’t believe it happened. I was overwhelmed to say the least. It’s an honor to go into such a special Hall of Fame where, Magic Johnson, John Smoltz, Jordan Wieber, Jay Vincent and so many other special athletes and broadcasters are.

The event that was scheduled for July 30, 2020 is now postponed until next year because of the pandemic. The committee won’t elect a new class next year. Our class will be inducted next July 2021. I totally respect, accept and understand this decision. I’m just very elated to be going in next year. I cannot wait!