Sign lady

Steven Wilson

When Barbara Rust entered the Sacramento Kings locker room on Thursday morning, she was amazed at the welcome before her – the space was adorned with team memorabilia, jerseys and signs gracing the wooden lockers.

Recognized as “Sign Lady” amongst Kings family, the day marked Barbara’s official induction into the ESPN Fan Hall of Fame.

“This is way beyond anything I could have anticipated – this is just beautiful,” said Rust as tears began to fill her eyes. “I appreciate everyone who works here and those who were a part of this – it means so much to me that [the Kings] did this.”

Since 1985, Barbara and her husband, Niko, have been loyal supporters of the purple and black, ultimately gaining acclaim for their handcrafted signs displayed from their seats to creatively spread positive messages to the team.

Although Rust was unable to attend ESPN’s induction festivities in Bristol, Conn., Slamson, friends and Kings executives – including President Chris Granger and General Manager Pete D’Alessandro – accompanied her for a private viewing of the ceremony.

“To us,” began D’Alessandro,” She’s been in the Hall of Fame since the day we walked in the door. 

Following introductions and speeches from two fellow inductees, it was Barbara’s turn as ESPN aired her pre-taped induction speech.

“I want to say, ‘Congratulations, and thank you’ to all Kings fans, not just in Sacramento but, all over the world,” stated Rust in the video. “It was Kings fans who nominated me and voted for me, but I don’t see this as an individual award. I share the honor of being in the ESPN Fan Hall of Fame with all of my Kings family, which includes fans, all former and current Kings players, all Kings staff and employees, the Sacramento media, our Mayor Kevin Johnson and other city officials, and our wonderful new ownership group led by Vivek Ranadivé.”

Humble, Barbara hesitated when she first learned of her Hall of Fame nomination, citing Niko’s affinity for social media as the impetus of her awareness.  

“It’s still hard to believe that this is happening,” said Barbara. “I actually didn’t know it was happening until it was well underway because I don’t (use) social media. Before I knew it, ESPN had selected me as a finalist. Even though I was hesitant at first, I talked it over with a lot of fans and realized that this is bigger than me. I never thought a small market like Sacramento would earn such a big award like this, but it’s just another testament to Kings fans. When they want to make something happen, they make it happen.” 

Sign Lady’s Hall of Fame bid was initially announced in late 2013, on the same night the Kings celebrated an overtime win over the two-time defending champion Miami Heat.

Though she earned the accolades, Barbara was quick to commend her biggest supporters.

“[I would like to give] a special thanks to my husband, Niko, and our daughter, Jennifer, for being our partners in Kings spirit and for helping me make hundreds of signs over the years to help us cheer for the Kings.”

Although the Rusts have been season ticket holders since 1988, they characterized 2013-14 as one of the biggest – welcoming new players, new ownership and details of a new arena set to open in 2016, on top of the Hall of Fame induction.

“I’m grateful and very proud that Sacramento will be the first NBA fanbase to be represented by the ESPN Fan Hall of Fame,” shared Barbara. “We are a small market, but we have big hearts filled with love, loyalty and passion for our Kings.”

“It’s obviously a great day for [Barbara Rust], but really it’s a great day for all of us,” stated Kings President Chris Granger, who presented ESPN’s trophy to the couple and a gift on behalf of the team – a personalized, crystal Tiffany &amp; Co. basketball.

“We are thrilled and honored that you are a fan of the Sacramento Kings. Quite honestly, you [and Niko] both represent the best of Sacramento in your resiliency, your hopefulness, your perseverance, your community-mindedness and your family spirit.”

Just before bestowing the awards, Granger concluded, “I love the fact that the best fans in the world and the loudest fans in the world are represented by someone who doesn’t have to say a word.

“And yet, she is still our loudest fan and she is still our most powerful fan. On behalf of our ownership group, on behalf of the Kings and the entire Kings family, ‘We love you, and congratulations, we think it's a great day.’”

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Sign Lady’s Hall of Fame Day

sacjwise

गुरुवार की सुबह जब बारबरा रस्‍ट ने सैक्रामेंटो किंग्‍स के लॉकर रूम में प्रवेश किया, तो वे अपने स्‍वागत की तैयारियां देखकर दंग रह गईं - चारों तरफ लकड़ी के लॉकरों को टीम के स्‍मृतिचिह्नों, जर्सियों और हस्‍ताक्षरों से सजाया गया था।

किंग्‍स परिवार में इस दिन को ''साइन लेडी'' के रूप में जाना जाता है क्‍योंकि इस��� दिन बारबरा को आधिकारिक तौर पर ईएसपीएन हॉल ऑफ़ फेम में शामिल किया गया था।

अश्रुपूरित नेत्रों के साथ रस्‍ट ने कहा, ''मैंने ऐसे स्‍वागत की कल्‍पना भी नहीं की थी - यह बेहद खूबसूरत है। यहां काम करने वाले सभी लोगों और इस सजावट में शामिल लोगों का मैं दिल से शुक्रिया देना चाहती हूं - यह मेरे लिए बहुत बड़ी चीज़ है कि [किंग्‍स] ने ऐसा किया।''

1985 से बारबरा और उनके पति, निको, पर्पल और ब्‍लैक के निष्‍ठावान समर्थक रहे हैं, और अंतत: उन्‍हें तब प्रतिष्‍ठा हासिल हुई जब उन्‍होंने टीम को रचनात्‍मक ढंग से सकारात्‍मक संदेश देने के लिए अपने हाथ से बनाए संकेतों को प्रदर्शित किया।

हालांकि रस्‍ट ब्रिस्‍टल में ईएसपीएन के इंडक्‍शन समारोहों में भाग नहीं ले पाईं, लेकिन कॉन., स्‍लैमसन, मित्र और किंग्‍स के एक्‍जेक्‍यूटिव - प्रेसिडेंट क्रिस ग्रैंजर और जनरल मैनेजर पीटी डीअलेस्‍सांद्रो सहित - के साथ उन्‍होंने अलग से समारोह को देखा। 

डीअलेस्‍सांद्रो ने कहा, ''हमारे लिए वह पहले दिन से ही हॉल ऑफ़ फेम में रही हैं जब हम इस दरवाजे के भीतर घुसे।''

हॉल ऑफ़ फेम में शामिल किए जाने वाले दो अन्‍य लोगों के परिचयों और भाषणों के बाद, बारबरा का पहले से टेप किया गया भाषण ईएसपीएन पर प्रसारित किया गया।

वीडियो में रस्‍ट ने कहा, ''मैं किंग्‍स के सभी प्रशंसकों को, सिर्फ सैक्रामेंटो के ही नहीं बल्कि दुनिया में फैले किंग्‍स के प्रशंसकों को, धन्‍यवाद देना चाहती हूं। किंग्‍स के प्रशंसकों ने ही मेरा नामांकन करवाया और मुझे वोट किया, लेकिन यह मेरा व्‍यक्तिगत पुरस्‍कार नहीं है। मैं ईएसपीएन के हॉल ऑफ़ फेम में शामिल होने के सम्‍मान को पूरे किंग्‍स परिवार के साथ साझा करना चाहती हूं, जिसमें प्रशंसक, किंग्‍स के सभी पुराने और वर्तमान खिलाड़ी, किंग्‍स का स्‍टाफ और यहां के कर्मचारी, सैक्रामेंटो का मीडिया, हमारे मेयर केविन जॉनसन और शहर के अन्‍य अधिकारी, और विवेक रणदिवे के नेतृत्‍व वाला हमारा शानदार नया स्‍वामी ग्रुप शामिल है।''

विनम्र स्‍वाभव वाली बारबरा को जब हॉल ऑफ फेम में नामांकन की सूचना मिली तो वे संकोच से भर उठीं, और उन्‍होंने अपनी जागरूकता का श्रेय निको के सोशल मीडिया से लगाव को दिया।

बारबरा ने कहा, ''मुझे अभी भी विश्‍वास नहीं होता कि यह सब हो रहा है। मुझे इसके होने का तबतक अहसास नहीं हुआ जबतक कि चीजें आगे नहीं बढ़ने लगीं क्‍योंकि मैं सोशल मीडिया का उपयोग नहीं करती हूं। मुझे पता चलता इसके पहले ईएसपीएन ने फाइनलिस्‍ट के तौर पर मेरा चयन कर लिया था। हालांकि शुरू में मैं हिचकिचाई, लेकिन मैंने अनेक प्रशंसकों से इस बारे में बात की और मुझे महसूस हुआ कि यह मेरे कद से बड़ी चीज थी। मैंने कभी नहीं सोचा था कि सैक्रामेंटो जैसे छोटे से बाजार को इतना बड़ा पुरस्‍कार मिलेगा, लेकिन यह किंग्‍स के प्रशंसकों का एक और प्रमाण है। जब वे कुछ करने की ठान लेते हैं, तो उसे कर के ही दम लेते हैं।''

हॉल ऑफ़ फेम के लिए साइन लेडी की शुरुआती घोषणा 2013 के अंत के दिनों में की गई थी, और उसी रात किंग्‍स ने दो बार के उपविजेता मियामी हीट को ओवरटाइम में हराया था।

हालांकि बारबरा को खूब प्रशंसा मिली, लेकिन उन्‍होंने तुरंत अपने सबसे बड़े समर्थकों को श्रेय देना शुरू कर दिया।

''मैं अपने पति, निको, और हमारी बेटी, जेनिफर को विशेष रूप से धन्‍यवाद देना चाहती हूं कि वे किंग्‍स की स्पिरिट में साझेदार बने रहे और किंग्‍स का मनोबल बढ़ाने के लिए सैकड़ों चिह्न बनाने में उन्‍होंने मेरी मदद की।''

हालांकि रस्‍ट परिवार 1988 से सीज़न टिकट धारक रहा है, लेकिन वे 2013-14 के सीज़न को सबसे बड़ा मानते हैं - नए खिला‍ड़ियों का शामिल किया जाना, नया स्‍वामित्‍व और 2016 में खुलने वाले नए एरिना के विवरण, और इन सबके साथ हॉल ऑफ़ फेम में शामिल किया जाना।

बारबरा ने कहा, ''मैं बहुत आभारी हूं और गर्व महसूस करती हूं कि सैक्रामेंटो पहला एनबीए फैनबेस होगा जिसका ईएसपीएन फैन हॉल ऑफ़ फेम में प्रतिनिधित्‍व होगा। हम एक छोटा बाजार हैं, लेकिन हमारे दिल बहुत बड़ें हैं और उसमें हमारे किंग्‍स के लिए बहुत अधिक प्‍यार, निष्‍ठा और भाव भरा हुआ है।''

किंग्‍स के प्रेसिडेंट क्रिस ग्रैंजर, जिन्‍होंने जोड़े को ईएसपीएन की ट्रॉफ़ी और टीम की तरफ से एक तोहफा - एक पर्सनलाइज्‍ड, क्रिस्‍टल टिफनी एंड कं. बास्‍केटबॉल - पेश किया, ने कहा, ''यह [बारबरा रस्‍ट] के लिए वास्‍तव में एक बड़ा दिन है, लेकिन वास्‍तव में यह हम सबके लिए एक बड़ा दिन है।''

हम बेहद रोमांचित और सम्‍मानित महसूस करते हैं कि आप सैक्रामेंटो किंग्‍स के प्रशंसक हैं। सच कहूं तो आप [और निको] दोनों अपने लचीलेपन, अपनी आशा, अपनी दृढ़ता, अपनी सामुदायिक-सोच और अपनी पारिवारिक स्पिरिट से सैक्रामेंटो की सर्वश्रेष्‍ठ खूबियों का प्रतिनिधित्‍व करते हैं''

पुरस्‍कार प्रदान करने से ठीक पहले, ग्रैंजर ने अपनी बात समाप्‍त करते हुए कहा, ''मुझे इस तथ्‍य से बहुत खुशी मिल रही है कि दुनिया के सर्वश्रेष्‍ठ प्रशंसकों और दुनिया के सबसे अधिक शोर करने वाले प्रशंसकों का प्रतिनिधि एक ऐसा व्‍यक्ति कर रहा है जिसे अपनी ओर से एक शब्‍द भी नहीं कहना है।''

''और फिर भी, वे हमारी सबसे मुखर प्रशंसक हैं और अभी भी हमारी सबसे शक्तिशाली प्रशंसक हैं। हमारी स्‍वामी समूह की तरफ से, किंग्‍स और पूरे किंग्‍स परिवार की तरफ से, 'हम आपको प्‍यार करते हैं, और आपको मुबारकवाद देते हैं, यह दिन हमारे लिए एक महान दिन है।'''

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साइन लेडीज़ हॉल ऑफ़ फ़ेम डे

Katie Cracchiolo

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Through The Years: Sign Lady Signs

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Sign Lady Fan Hall of Fame Induction Watch Party

Kings Rocket Department

Cap City Kingdom Member Barbara "Sign Lady" Rust discusses her recent induction into the ESPN Fan Hall of Fame and more.

How would you describe what this induction means to you?

I am truly honored to receive this honor, however, I don't see it as an individual award. A lot of Kings fans tell me that my signs represent what they are feeling as well. So I believe that this award is being given to ALL Kings fans and I am merely the representative for the entire Kings Family.

What message would you like to share with your Kings family?

Obviously I love watching the games, but I also enjoy meeting and talking with other fans, Kings employees and players.  I would like to thank everyone who nominated and voted for me in this contest, and also for the love, support and prayers you have given me and my family over the last couple of months. It means a lot to us and is helping in my healing process. I am so proud and grateful to be a part of the Kings Family.

What do you think the honor represents to fellow Kings fans?

I am happy that Kings fans who have supported this team for so long are also being recognized. This award is a fitting culmination of several years of Sacramento fans passionately working to save our team. Kings fans were the ones who nominated and voted for me, so this award truly belongs to all of us. Kings fans have once again showed the nation that they are a great fan base. When a challenge arises, they know how to rally together to help create a positive outcome. I think fellow Kings fans will be proud that the FIRST NBA team represented in the Fan Hall of Fame is the SACRAMENTO KINGS.

How do you plan to celebrate the induction?

The induction ceremony isn't until Spring, and it's in Bristol Conn., so I'm not sure at this point. In the meantime, every Sacramento Kings game will be a celebration for me!

Can you disclose any details of your first sign as a Fan Hall of Fame inductee?

We're always thinking of possible new signs, but I'm not sure what the next one will be yet. We're currently trying to come up ideas for our new team members. You'll have to be surprised. :)

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Exclusive Sign Lady Q&A

I’m very proud that Sacramento Kings Fans have once again been recognized for the passion, loyalty, and LOVE we feel for our team and our great city.

Because it was my fellow fans who nominated and “got out the vote” for me, the honor of being selected to the ESPN Fan Hall of Fame is one I share with EVERY Sacramento Kings fan around the world.

I continue to be amazed by the strength and unity of our extended Family which includes:  Fans, all former and current Kings players, Kings employees, Sacramento Media, Mayor Johnson and other City Officials, and our wonderful new ownership group.

Just look at what our Kings Family has recently accomplished:

I have often been called the “face of the fans” and I accept that as a huge compliment because I see myself as representing ALL OF YOU! Although we express ourselves as fans in different ways, we all have the same goal, to support our team through thick and thin. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’re still here and our spirits have never been broken!

I’m very grateful for your support, prayers and good wishes especially the past few months. The “Love For Sign Lady” has meant so much to me and my family in my journey of healing from cancer. Every Kings game is medicine for me.

I do have one request. Let’s focus our attention now on voting Sacramento Kings players into the NBA All-Star Game.

Thanks for making this holiday season a very special one.

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Sign Lady statement regarding the ESPN Fan Hall of Fame

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Barbara Rust, affectionately known as “Sign Lady” in the Sacramento community, was inducted today into the ESPN Fan Hall of Fame.

“Barbara truly represents the spirit of the Sacramento Kings in so many ways,” said Kings owner Vivek Ranadive. “On behalf of the entire Kings organization, I congratulate her on this special honor.”

After a 10 day voting period, Rust, along with University of Arkansas Razorback fan Canaan Sandy and Georgia Bulldog supporter Pierce Wallace, each received more than 85,000 votes on the Fan Hall of Fame website. The trio was featured in individual 15-second spots across ESPN’s platforms and will have their names engraved above vintage stadium chairs located on ESPN’s main campus in Bristol, Connecticut. As the only professional sports fan in this year’s class, Rust represents not only Sacramento Kings fans, but passionate fans across the NBA.

“The inductees received outstanding support from their teams, communities and fellow fans throughout the voting period,” said Jeffrey Gonyo, senior director of sports marketing at ESPN. ”We look forward to bringing Barbara, Canaan and Pierce to our headquarters to honor their passion and dedication.”

Described by Kings fans as the heart of the team’s fan base, Rust has been to every single Kings game since 1985.

“Barbara has been a tremendous part of our team for many years, and she fully demonstrates why Sacramento has the best fan base in the NBA," said Kings President Chris Granger. “She embodies the determination and perseverance of Sacramento, and we are proud of her induction into the ESPN Hall of Fame."

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Kings Fan Barbara Rust aka 'Sign Lady' Inducted into ESPN’s Fan Hall of Fame

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Sacramento Kings will observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the October 23 "Pink In The Paint" preseason game versus the Golden State Warriors. The Kings will use the game to draw attention to Albie Aware, a local foundation created in the memory of Albie Carson who lived in Sacramento for 50 years before succumbing to breast cancer in 2002. Starting tomorrow, fans can text KINGS to 50555 to donate to the foundation.

The Kings encourage fans to wear pink to the game to raise awareness for breast cancer. The Kings coaches will be wearing pink ties and the Kings players will be wearing pink sneakers and/or pink shoelaces. Fans can purchase a T-shirt featuring a special Kings/pink ribbon logo in the Kings Team Store for $15. All proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will go to Albie Aware.

Along with recognizing Albie Aware, the Kings will honor one of its most beloved fans, Barbara Rust, who recently announced that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Rust is known fondly as "Sign Lady" for the steady stream of inspirational signs she has flashed at the team from her seats in the arena for years. The team also is raising money for the foundation by auctioning off two signs made by Rust especially for this event.

At halftime of the game, Kings owners, Vivek Ranadivé and Mark Mastrov, and team president, Chris Granger, will honor Rust and staffers from Albie Aware. The team will feature breast cancer awareness messages throughout the game including video clips of the players encouraging fans to protect themselves through early detection of the disease.

The Kings are offering a specially priced ticket of $12 that can be purchased starting tomorrow by calling 1-888-91-KINGS, or Click Here.