The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inc. today announced Bud Selig would receive the Bob Harlan Leadership Award, presented by Miller Lite, and the late Zeke Bratkowski will be honored with the Bart and Cherry Starr Recognition Award, presented by the Ariens Company, at this year's Packers Hall of Fame Induction Banquet. The banquet will be held on Saturday, April 18, in the Lambeau Field Atrium.
The Bob Harlan Leadership Award is presented in honor of former Green Bay Packers President/CEO and Packers Hall of Famer Bob Harlan, who demonstrated exceptional and extraordinary leadership throughout his career with the Packers. Candidates for the Bob Harlan Leadership Award must have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, over and above the call of duty during or after their career or association with the Packers. Above all, they must have served with the integrity, character and determination emblematic of Bob Harlan.
Selig, formerly the Commissioner of Baseball for Major League Baseball from 1998-2015, is the founder and former owner of the Milwaukee Brewers. A lifelong baseball fan and Milwaukee native, Selig helped bring professional baseball back to Milwaukee in 1970, and he led the Brewers as president and chairman until his appointment as Commissioner in 1998. Through his work with the former Milwaukee Braves and in the sports community in Milwaukee, Harlan and Selig became acquainted in the 1960s, when Harlan worked at Marquette University. The two were trusted colleagues during their Packers and Brewers careers, often relating to each other as both teams faced numerous successes and challenges over the years. Selig became a member of the Packers board of directors in 1990 and now serves as an emeritus director.
The Bart and Cherry Starr Recognition Award honors a person who has exemplified outstanding character and leadership in their field of expertise, while consistently demonstrating a personal conviction and commitment to the Green Bay Packers.
The late Bratkowski, who passed away last November, was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1989. He served as backup quarterback to Bart Starr when the Packers won three straight NFL championships in the 1960s under Vince Lombardi. Bratkowski forged a close friendship with Starr and it enabled the two to put the team first and be of like mind in their pregame preparation. Blessed with a strong arm and the same work ethic as Starr, Bratkowski was talented and prepared enough that the Packers rarely skipped a beat when he was rushed into a game.
Following the 1968 season, Bratkowski spent time as Packers backfield coach before returning to play for under coach Dan Devine. Bratkowski went on to have a 26-year coaching career, returning to the Packers as quarterbacks coach in 1975 as a part of Starr's coaching staff, where he remained until 1981. He went on to serve as an assistant coach for five different NFL teams. After retiring from coaching, Bratkowski remained a beloved Packers alumnus, returning to Green Bay often to visit with fans, attend Packers games and take part in alumni events.
A limited number of tickets for the Banquet, which begins with a cash bar at 4 p.m. with dinner and program to follow at 5:30 p.m., are still available. To purchase tickets, contact Sam Kluck at 920/965-6984 or samk@packershalloffame.com
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation independent of the Green Bay Packers that guides the Hall as a historic national sports venue and educational resource to the Green Bay community and the state of Wisconsin. The Hall raises funds through its annual Induction Banquet, Golf Classic and other events to preserve the history of the Green Bay Packers and expand its archives. Historic memorabilia donated by individuals to the Hall may qualify as tax-deductible gifts.
Originally established in 1967 as a temporary display in the concourse of the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena, the Packers Hall of Fame moved into its own facility in 1976 near Lambeau Field. In 2003, it was relocated to the lower level of the Lambeau Field Atrium, and it was closed in November 2013 for renovations. The Packers Hall of Fame reopened in August of 2015 and is now located on the main floor of the Atrium across from 1919 Kitchen & Tap. Groups interested in booking tours and those seeking additional information may visit the Hall online at packers.com/lambeau-field/hall-of-fame/visit.html.
