EDWARDSVILLE/BELLEVILLE Edwardsville sports writer Steve Porter and Belleville photographer Paul Baillargeon were recently inducted into the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame, an honor the two local media members said was meaningful as they joined a small group recognized for their work in sports journalism and photography.
Porter, a Troy native and 1969 Triad High School graduate, was inducted as a media member. Baillargeon, of Belleville, said he was inducted on Saturday, July 25, 2026, as part of the Class of 2026.
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Porter, a longtime area sports writer, said the recognition carried special significance because of the company he joined.
“It was quite an honor to go in with so many distinguished individuals, ranging from Southern Illinois to Midstate to Chicago. There were just five media members, including photographer Paul Baillargeon of Belleville, who were enshrined, so I’m certainly honored and humbled to be in that group,” Porter said.
Porter also said the induction was personally meaningful because of his roots in Troy, Illinois.
“I guess I’m the first one from my hometown of Troy to go in as well, and that’s very meaningful and special for me. It’s always nice to be recognized for what you have done, and I’ve always thought your legacy is what you have done for others, not necessarily yourself,” Porter said.
Baillargeon said the induction marked a milestone in his career.
“It was a big night on Saturday, July 25th, as I was a Class of 2026 inductee of the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame,” Baillargeon said. “I am entering my 40th year of editorial sports and news photography. Also of local interest was Steve Porter of Madison County, who was also an inductee for his sports journalism for many publications in the 618 over his distinguished career.”
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