THE BOBBY ORR SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Looking fit and boyish at the age of 55, the greatest defenseman in the history of the National Hockey League officially opened the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame by cutting a ribbon the way he sliced through defenders to score some of the most memorable goals ever seen.
The Town of Parry Sound opened the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame on July 18, 2003, with the guest of honour in attendance. "This is probably the most difficult thing I've ever had to do — to stand here and tell you how I feel," he stated, "I've been a very lucky guy. I played on championship teams. I played for Canada. I've won some awards and I'm very proud of those accomplishments. But I don't think there's anything greater than to come home and to be recognized at home." Bobby smiled, then introduced his family — sisters Pat and Penny and brothers Ron and Doug, their respective spouses and families. "Thank you for the sacrifices you had to make so I could chase my dream." He then thanked his father, Doug, for unconditional support through the years. "My Dad was my biggest supporter. He never put pressure on me."
Bobby then spoke emotionally of his grandmother and mother. "I know they're watching," Orr said, pausing to bring his emotions under control. After a moment, the crowd clapped appreciatively at Bobby's deep affection for his mother and grandmother. "I know how thrilled they'd be." Before introducing his wife Peggy, with whom he celebrated his thirtieth wedding anniversary in September 2003, his oldest son Darren and Darren's wife Chelsea, Orr pronounced July 18, 2003, " ... the most marvelous day of my life! I am so thrilled."
Bobby at the Grand Opening
in Parry Sound on July 18th, 2003.
Bobby and Don "GRAPES" Cherry look at the Exhibits in the Hall of Fame.
On Sunday
September 28th, 2003 the Leary Firefighters Foundation held their Hat
Trick Charity event, which included appearances by several hockey greats and the
auctioning off of hockey memorabilia including a Bobby Orr Power Play Pinball
machine.
Over 15,500 fans were on hand to see hockey greats Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, John
"Chief" Bucyk, Gerry Cheevers, Phil Esposito, Cam Neely and the
current Bruins captain Joe Thornton. A historic moment was witnessed during the
event as #4 Bobby Orr donned his Bruins jersey and skated onto the ice for only
the second time in the last twenty years.
The now defunct amusement division of the Bally Corporation made the Bobby Orr
Power Play Pinball machine in 1977. The machine, which was endorsed by Bobby
Orr, featured him on the back glass skating against an opponent only known as
“The Canadian”. Around 13,750 copies were made of this pinball machine and
though it is unknown how many are still around it is a safe bet that few if any
are in the condition of the machine sold at the charity auction.
The bidding was heavy and when the gavel final fell the bidding on the
game had reached the incredible final sale price of $7,500 drawing applause from
the crowd. The games new owner was comic and actor Dennis Leary who said that he
bought the game for his kids.
LINKS FOR BOBBY ORR BELOW
"ORR-WALTON SPORTS CAMP"
Bobby had his own Hockey School in Orillia Ontario from