Bates honored by Hall nomination

NEW JERSEY – The Black Superman was ecstatic when informed of his nomination to the fourth batch of the PBA Hall of Fame and said he’s honored by the recognition.

Billy Ray Bates, 55, recently made it to the list of 15 candidates submitted by the PBA Nominations Committee. By the end of this month, the Honors Committee will select the new inductees. The enshrinement of the fourth batch is scheduled in September.

“It’s a real honor to be nominated,” said Bates who works the graveyard shift as a floor technician at the Colate recycling company here. “But I know it’s going to be tough getting selected. I’m hoping and praying God will give me this blessing.”

Nominated were Alvin Patrimonio, Carlos Velez, Tito Eduque, Tommy Manotoc, Mariano Yenko, Freddie Webb, Freddie Hubalde, Ed Ocampo, Romy Kintanar, Miguel Bilbao, Bernie Fabiosa, Rudy Navarro, Benjie Paras, Jerry Codiñera and Bates. The only imports in the Hall of Fame are Norman Black and Bobby Parks.

Bates said he can’t wait to visit his Filipino friends and fans. If he’s chosen to be inducted, the PBA will provide a round-trip plane ticket and two days’ accommodation for Bates. 

“I’d love for my wife Beverly to come along,” said Bates. “I’ve told her so much about how beautiful the Philippines is and how wonderful the people are. But she’s not going to be able to get off work just like that. She’s busy working as the front desk manager of a Hilton hotel. As for me, I’ve got five days of sick leave and I’ll use them up for the trip, if I’m selected. I need a break from my job – it’s killing me.”

Bates said the first thing he’ll do upon landing in Manila is to thank God for bringing him back to where he played some of his greatest games.

“I’m not assuming anything because I know the committee won’t choose everyone who was nominated and some of those guys are shoo-ins but if ever I’m picked, I’ll deliver a speech like nobody else can right at the airport,” he said. “I really want to be able to give back and spend time in the Philippines.  If there’s an opportunity, I’d like to be involved with the coaching staff of a team for three to five years. I want to be able to do some business, too. It’s hard for me to leave my wife in the US without earning an income in the Philippines.”

One of Bates’ closest Filipino friends, Jimmy Fojas of San Francisco, said he was told that Manotoc’s son Matthew and agent Danny Espiritu’s son Marvin are teaming up to form a sports management company and they’re interested in representing the Black Superman. 

“I hope to reconnect with my coaches Sen. (Robert) Jaworski and Tommy, my teammates Atoy (Co), Philip (Cezar), Romy (Mamaril) and Bai (Cristobal) and Norman (Black) and Bobby (Parks),” continued Bates. “I’m a big fan of Manny Pacquiao so I hope to meet him, too.  I watched his fight against (Antonio) Margarito who was bigger than him. But Manny was stronger and quicker. He’s a fighter with a lot of guts and heart. He makes me feel proud to be related to the Philippines.”

Bates said he remains involved with Filipino communities in the US.

“Whenever there’s a chance for me to get together with Filipinos, I don’t miss it,” he said. “A few months ago, I played in a benefit all-star game with former PBA players in Virginia. Guys like Abet (Guidaben), Eddie Boy (Mendoza) and Yoyoy (Villamin) came. It was quite a game. With about 12 or 13 seconds left, our team was down by two and I took a three-pointer that just rattled out. Our team would’ve won by one if I had made it.”

Bates said the book project on his life is on hold. “I’m looking for the right people to publish my life story,” he said. “It’s got to be the right people to do it. People who’ll write about positive things, not just the negative things. I’ve got a story to tell – my early days at Kentucky State, my NBA career, my PBA years and my games in other parts of the world. Maybe, the guys who wrote Manny Pacquiao’s books can help me.”

Bates said his 24-year-old daughter Jennifer is still in Switzerland. “I’ve been trying to bring her over to the US to meet my wife,” said Bates. “I haven’t seen her in years. Maybe, if I can settle in Manila, I can send for her. But I’ll need a home and a job. The first thing is to get to Manila and I know that can only happen if I make it to the Hall of Fame.”

Bates said he tried to call Miami coach Erik Spoelstra about the possibility of working with the Heat.

“I found out that he’s half-Filipino and since he comes from Portland, knew about me playing for the Trail Blazers, like I’m his idol,” said Bates. “I tried phoning him but I never got through. I couldn’t believe Miami lost in the NBA Finals to Dallas. I thought LeBron (James) made poor decisions down the stretch. Jason (Terry) killed them. He should’ve been the MVP not (Dirk) Nowitzki. Miami’s offense sucked and they didn’t play good defense either. If I played with LeBron and (Dwyane) Wade in my prime, we would’ve won at least five championships by now. We would’ve been unbelievable. I’m not a loser. I hate losing. We would’ve dominated the NBA.”