Group honored in walk of fame

BURBANK — The latest group of dedicated individuals were honored Saturday in this year’s induction ceremony for the Burbank Athletics Walk of Fame.

In the event at Olive Park, Mike Delaney, Tony De Felicis, Ed Pape and Robb Roberts were enshrined by the Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services Department.

Here is a look at their accomplishments:

MIKE DELANEY

He began his association with the department by playing in the park’s Hap Minor Baseball program.

He began coaching by guiding baseball, basketball and flag football teams. He also began coaching softball, a sport he has been teaching for more than 25 years.

Delaney, who attended Edison Elementary School, is the softball coach at Village Christian School.

TONY DE FELICIS

A product of Bret Harte Elementary School, De Felicis began playing in the organization in 1966, when he took up flag football, coached by his father, Gus, a past hall inductee. He also participated in Hap Minor Baseball and basketball.

Along with working for the organization as a sports field supervisor for five years, De Felicis also worked at Emmanuel Church and organized youth teams that took part in the Burbank Sports Leagues.

ED PEPE

Born in Burbank, he began in local sports by playing on the Burbank A’s baseball team. When Pepe was 10, he met Fred Baltaeu and joined the Kids for Christ Star Fighters baseball team. The group of boys included Don Ludwig, Jim Barnfather, and Mickey DePalo.

We worked as a volunteer scorekeeper and umpire for the adult softball and basketball program and also coached Hap Minor Baseball, flag football and women’s fast pitch softball teams.

ROBB ROBERTS

A product of Roosevelt Elementary School, he was introduced to baseball when he started taking classes from Lefty Thomas and Walk of Fame inductee, Bill Burton. He also played flag football and basketball.

Along with playing in the city’s Church Softball League, he also began teaching classes at Olive Recreation Center in 1972.

He still works evenings as a field supervisor for the Adult Sports Leagues, a position he has held for 24 years

The Walk of Fame was established to acknowledge the contributions of athletes, coaches, volunteers and staff members who have shown dedication and commitment to the department.

In recognizing the value of sports and athletic activities within the community, the tribute highlights individuals who, in their roles as participants, volunteers or professional staff, have furthered the excellence of the local organized sports programs.

Inductees are permanently honored with their names chiseled on individual bricks that adorn a walkway behind Diamond No. 2 at Olive Park. Complete with inscriptions, the walk has room for hundreds of future honorees.

The department honors Walk of Fame inductees every year.