Angelo Bertelli - 1921- 1999 - Heisman Trophy Winner - 1943
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neoc1
N 42° 05.565 W 072° 37.100
18T E 696963 N 4662819
Plaque to commemorate Angelo Bertelli on the Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds - West Springfield, MA
Waymark Code: WMBMYD
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 06/04/2011
Views: 4
Angelo Bertelli
1921 - 1999
Heisman Trophy Winner - 1943
Angelo Bertelli was born on Exposition Avenue opposite he main gate to the Big E. He threw many of his early football passes to his playmates in this neighborhood and in these playgrounds before becoming a national sports legend at the University of Notre Dame - 43.
Known as the Springfield Rifle, he led the Notre Dame team to the national championship and won the Heisman Trophy, as the top collegiate player in 1943 before being called to serve is country during World War II. He was named to many All-American teams and pioneered the T formation on the college level. He was inducted into the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame in 1972. During World War II, Bertelli fought in the battles of Iwo Jima and Guam as a U.S. Marine Captain.
His prowess on the gridiron not forgotten, He was chosen as the first overall pick in the NFL draft while overseas in 1944. He went on to play perfessionally with Los Angeles and Chicago before a knee injury finally forced him to retire from the game.
We honor him not only for his athletic prowess and for the fame he brought to all of us, but because he exemplified everything it takes to be a great human being: an outstanding family man, husband, father and inspirational leader, one who never forgot his roots.
This memorial is to commemorate all the people of the Memorial Avenue neighborhood who remember Big E Fairgrounds as their play-field. A unique group of men and women whose closeness has never faded throughout the years and who reunite every two years on these grounds to strengthen their ties.
We honor them all and especially those who have passed on before us.
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There is a $5 parking fee to enter the grounds of the Eastern States Exhibition when an event is in progress. Otherwise, access to the grounds is free.
Website with more information on either the memorial or the person(s) it is dedicated to: [Web Link]
Location: Eastern States Exposition (Big E) Fairgrounds, West Springfield, MA 01089
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