San Pedro Shines Bright: Six Athletes Honored At La Sportswalk Of Fame On Battleship Iowa

San Pedro’s Finest Take the Spotlight at LA Sportswalk of Fame

Down in the heart of San Pedro - a gritty, portside gem just a stone’s throw from the LA Harbor - the Los Angeles Sportswalk of Fame brought the heat on Monday, October 13, 2025. Aboard the historic Battleship Iowa Museum, with ocean breezes and SoCal vibes setting the scene, six incredible athletes were honored for their game-changing contributions to sports and beyond.

This annual event isn’t just about plaques and pats on the back - it’s a love letter to San Pedro’s deep-rooted passion for athletics. What started as a local tradition has grown into a major LA celebration, drawing crowds to see who’ll join the ranks of legends immortalized on the sidewalks of this waterfront town.

And let’s talk location - hosting this bash on a World War II-era battleship? That’s straight-up Hollywood drama with a harbor twist. The setting couldn’t be more fitting for a day that’s all about strength, legacy, and community pride.

Meet the 2025 Honorees - A Lineup of Champions

This year’s inductees brought serious star power to the deck of the Battleship Iowa. Leading the pack was oncologist Dr. John Link, who snagged the John Fer Humanitarian Award for his track and field legacy and off-field impact. Then there’s Philip D’Amato, honored with the National Award for his dominance in thoroughbred racing - talk about horsepower!

Marina Vitalich crushed it with the National/International Award for softball, while Murphy Su’a took home the Trani Award for baseball. Rounding out the crew were Mike Pentecost, earning the Local Award for yacht racing, and Mike O’Donnell, also a Local Award winner for his lifeguard and Dory Racing feats. These hometown heroes and national icons got their moment to shine with heartfelt speeches and well-deserved applause.

“Being recognized here in San Pedro, where sports are everything, feels like coming home - it’s an honor I’ll carry forever,” said Dr. John Link, reflecting on the significance of the day.

More Than Just Trophies - Giving Back to SoCal Youth

The Sportswalk isn’t just a flex for the athletes - it’s a win for the next generation too. This year’s event raised a cool $12,000, which was awarded as scholarships to eight local high school senior athletes back in May. It’s all part of the mission to keep the South Bay’s sports dreams alive, one future star at a time.

According to the event’s official vibe, it’s about “promoting and vitalizing sports through education in the LA community.” That means scholarships, inspiration, and expanding this waterfront tradition across the Harbor Area. With every plaque laid on the sidewalks of Sixth, Seventh, Centre, and Mesa streets, San Pedro’s legacy grows stronger.

From the opening notes of the National Anthem sung by Crystal Perez Sepulveda to the final awards luncheon, the day was packed with emotion. Councilman Tim McOsker and sports personality Petros Papadakis were on hand to hype up the crowd, while the presentation of colors added a patriotic punch to the proceedings.

A Storied History with Deep LA Roots

The Sportswalk kicked off way back on October 5, 1978, doubling as a celebration of San Pedro’s Downtown Commercial District revival. Fast forward 45 years, and it’s evolved with the times - in 2004, a nonprofit foundation took the reins, and by 2018, it rebranded as the Los Angeles Sportswalk of Fame to reflect its broader reach.

Today, it honors not just local legends but athletes with regional and national clout. Past honorees like Jerry West, Jackie Robinson, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee have their names etched in bronze along San Pedro’s streets, a permanent reminder of what this community stands for.

Whether you’re a sports junkie or just love a good underdog story, the Sportswalk is pure SoCal magic. It’s where history meets hustle, and where the next big name might just be a high school kid with a dream. Here’s to another year of champs, cheers, and that unbeatable San Pedro spirit!