Croatian American Sports Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

EASTLAKE, OH, UNITED STATES, October 15, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic is set to headline the 2026 Croatian American Sports Hall of Fame (CAS-HOF) Induction Class, which will take place in Cleveland on Saturday, October 24. The CAS-HOF, in partnership with the National Federation of Croatian Americans Cultural Foundation and the Croatian Fraternal Union, has announced its eight newest honorees, each of whom has achieved national distinction through extraordinary accomplishments in sports.

Miocic, the son of Croatian immigrants and widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in the history of mixed martial arts, will be inducted alongside other legends from basketball, baseball, football, mixed martial arts, and bodybuilding. The inductees include Meri Abbado, Fred Arbanas, Gary Beban, Bobby Grich, Jack Marin, Rob Ninkovich, and Johnny Pesky.

Meri Abbado, a Croatian American IFBB professional bodybuilder, began competing at the age of 46 and has since won 26 IFBB Pro titles, including two Masters World Championships in 2022 and 2024. She has also qualified for the Masters Olympia competition in 2023 and 2025.

Fred Arbanas, born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1939, was a standout tight end for the Dallas Texans and Kansas City Chiefs. A six-time All-AFL selection and AFL All-Time Team member, Arbanas posted 198 receptions, 3,101 yards, and 34 touchdowns, helping win three AFL championships and Super Bowl IV. After retiring, he served as a Jackson County, Missouri legislator for decades.

Gary Beban, born in San Francisco in 1946, was one of UCLA’s greatest quarterbacks, nicknamed “The Great One.” He led UCLA to a 24-5-2 record (1965-1967) and delivered a historic 1966 Rose Bowl win over top-ranked Michigan State. In 1967, Beban won the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, and unanimous All-America honors before enjoying a brief NFL career with the Washington Redskins.

Bobby Grich, born in Muskegon, Michigan, in 1949, was an elite second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles and California Angels. A six-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner, and Silver Slugger, Grich led the American League in home runs in 1981. Over 17 seasons, he posted a .266 average, 224 home runs, and 864 RBI, with a 71 WAR placing him statistically alongside Hall of Famers.

Jack Marin, from Farrell, Pennsylvania, was a valedictorian, All-State player, and NBA All-Star. He led Duke to Final Four appearances in 1964 and 1966, then was drafted fifth overall by the Baltimore Bullets. Known as “Mr. Consistency,” Marin is enshrined in multiple Halls of Fame, including at Duke, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

Rob Ninkovich, born on February 1, 1984, in Blue Island, Illinois, is a former NFL linebacker of Croatian descent. After earning All-Big Ten honors at Purdue, Ninkovich was drafted in 2006 and went on to spend eight seasons with the New England Patriots, winning two Super Bowls. He retired in 2017 and was named to the Patriots All-Dynasty Team (2001-2019).

Johnny Pesky, born John Michael Paveskovich in 1919 in Portland, Oregon, was a beloved Boston Red Sox icon and son of Croatian immigrants. A standout infielder with a .307 career average, Pesky led the American League in hits his first three seasons. His 61-year association with the Red Sox as player, manager, coach, and broadcaster made him a Fenway institution, and his No. 6 was retired in 2008. The Red Sox named their right field foul pole in Fenway Park, the Pesky Pole.

The 2026 CAS-HOF Selection Committee, consisting of Derek Hohn, Jerome Jurenovich, Jim Kresnik, Ken Krsolovic, Dino Mattessich, Vedran Joseph Nazor, Jim Berklan, Tom Steich, Bill Cumbelich, and Steve Rukavina, has announced the inductees. The induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the American Croatian Lodge in Eastlake, Ohio. The Four Points by Sheraton Eastlake at 35000 Curtis Boulevard will be the host hotel for out-of-town guests.

Longtime sports broadcaster Jerome Jurenovich will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the induction ceremony banquet dinner.