In 2004 the Leadville-Lake County Sports Hall of Fame was established in order to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of its many fine athletes. Upon learning of this I, Terrance L. Irwin grandson of Billy Irwin, was of the sincere and humble belief that my grandfather would be a most worthy candidate for induction. And so I gathered what data I could, presented my case and hoped for the best.

 

Shortly thereafter I received a letter dated April 24, 2004 from the Chairman of the Leadville-Lake County Sports Hall of Fame stating in part: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to congratulate you on the successful induction of your nominee into the Leadville-Lake County Sports Hall of Fame. As you know our goal is to become the definitive sports recognition entity for our community, and with Billy Irwin’s prestigious career, he is exactly the caliber of athlete we intend to honor.”

 

And so the first annual induction ceremony (Class of 2004) took place in Leadville at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum on June 24, 2004 and the honor of being its very first inductee was bestowed upon William “Billy” Irwin.