City of Philadelphia - File #: 170573

• File #: 170573
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: ADOPTED
• File created: 5/25/2017
• In control: CITY COUNCIL
• Final action: 6/8/2017
• Title: Adding Sonny Hill Way to the street signs on South 50th between Larchwood and Osage Avenues in recognition of Sonny Hill's remarkable contributions to the basketball community in Philadelphia and his efforts in mentoring young people all over the City.
• Sponsors: Councilmember Blackwell, Councilmember Parker, Councilmember Green, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Oh, Councilmember Reynolds Brown, Councilmember Greenlee, Councilmember Taubenberger, Councilmember Gym, Councilmember Domb, Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Henon, Councilmember Squilla, Council President Clarke, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez, Councilmember O'Neill

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
6/8/2017	0	CITY COUNCIL	ADOPTED
5/25/2017	0	CITY COUNCIL	Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar	Pass

Title
Adding Sonny Hill Way to the street signs on South 50th between Larchwood and Osage Avenues in recognition of Sonny Hill's remarkable contributions to the basketball community in Philadelphia and his efforts in mentoring young people all over the City.

Body
WHEREAS, Sonny Hill was born in Philadelphia on July 22, 1936. As a naturally gifted athlete, he was the star player for several sports teams at Northeast High School; and

WHEREAS, At Northeast High School, Sonny Hill was mentored by Guy Rodgers, who encouraged Sonny to further develop his natural gift for basketball; and

WHEREAS, Sonny graduated from Northeast High School in 1955 and due to his 5 ft 9in stature he did not expect to further his basketball career. However, a local gentleman named Bob Dabney, who believed in Sonny's talent, helped Sonny get a spot on the Central State Maruaders team, an all black college, that was known for its track and basketball teams; and

WHEREAS, When Sonny first met the coach at Central State University he was not impressed by Sonny's small and slender frame. However, when he saw Sonny's skill he offered him a place on the team. Sonny found success as a college basketball player and was "All-Conference" his freshman year and he also helped to lead Central State to the NAIA Tournament. At that point they were only third Black College team to play; and

WHEREAS, By the time Sonny returned to Philadelphia, basketball was growing in popularity and Sonny soon found himself a part of the Eastern Basketball League, where he spend 10 years of the professional career. In 1958 he joined the Wilmington Jets, and he later played for the Camden bullets; and

WHEREAS, After his basketball career, Sonny became involved in urban basketball leagues. His first was the "Baker League", a summer league in Philadelphia featuring top pro talent; and

WHEREAS, In 1968 Sonny Hill started the Sonny Hill Community Involvement Basketball League, which he founded at a time ...