This Day In Cavs History: Inaugural Wall Of Honor Class Is Inducted
Throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, Spencer Davies is going to turn back the clock to milestone moments and important dates in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ past with “This Day In Cavs History.” Whether they’ve been good, bad or sad, these events were significant in the franchise’s 53-year existence.
If there’s one thing the Cavaliers excel at the most among all sports organizations, it’s maintaining their relationships with everybody who has been a part of the operation. Whether it is players, coaches, front-office members, executives, broadcasters or any employee, the wine-and-gold is literally one big family.
The Cleveland Cavaliers introduce the inaugural class of Wall of Honor inductees, November 17, 2019, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The 2019 class consists of: Wayne Embry, Bill Fitch, John Johnson, Nick Mileti and John "Hot Rod" Williams.
John Kuntz, cleveland.com
In order to commemorate and show appreciation for those who have paved the way, the Cavs unveiled the Wall of Honor at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and its first inductees.
In a press release two months beforehand, the Cavs revealed the official class:
Five very special individuals who played core roles in the early years of the Cleveland Cavaliers will have their franchise legacies further recognized and honored when they are inducted into the brand-new Cavaliers Wall of Honor at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Wayne Embry, Bill Fitch, the late John Johnson, Nick Mileti and the late John “Hot Rod” Williams will comprise the inaugural class of the Wall of Honor.
Making its debut for the Cavs 50th season in 2019-20, the Wall of Honor program was created to recognize deserving former members of the franchise and serve as a special, permanent way to honor those who have played such a distinguished, pivotal role in Cavs history.
The Wall of Honor will reside prominently in the new North Atrium area of the FieldHouse. The large 12’x44’ wall will feature a mosaic of custom designed tiles that represent each honoree. Each inductee will have two silver tiles: one engraved with their name, photo, years with the organization, and their jersey number or role with the team; the other with their name, list of major accomplishments and jersey number/role. (See attached)
The Wall will also include tiles for the eight individuals who have previously had their jerseys retired by the Cavs: Austin Carr, Brad Daugherty, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Larry Nance Sr., Mark Price, Bobby “Bingo” Smith, Nate Thurmond and Joe Tait (Cavaliers Hall of Fame radio broadcaster for 39 seasons). Each individual will be represented with two gold tiles.
On the morning of Nov. 17, 2019, the Cavs held a ceremony.
Then, later that night, the celebration happened at halftime of the team’s game vs. the Philadelphia 76ers, creating a memory that the team and its dedicated fan base will never forget.
Since the Wall of Honor’s debut, more names have been added. Joining that inaugural class and honorees, the Cavs have since inducted World B. Free, Campy Russell, Gordon Gund and Campy Russell.
This season, Cleveland plans on inducting another group on March 10, 2024 when the team takes on the Brooklyn Nets.
