Jewish Hall of Fame inductions Sunday

The king of the baseball stat mavens is taking center stage.

Sunday, Hal Richman will be among eight sports personalities enshrined in the 19th annual National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

In 1961, Richman created the iconic baseball simulation game, Strat-O-Matic, in the basement of his parents' home.

The Great Neck product introduced Strat-O-Matic baseball, which allowed game players to simulate entire seasons, using the rated abilities of real-life players as a template.

Strat-O-Matic later released basketball, football and hockey formats. Today, players can participate via board game or online versions. Full-season baseball simulations are available dating to the 19th century.

Numerous baseball broadcasters, including Bob Costas, cut their teeth by announcing simulated games via Strat-O-Matic. Former Met and current SNY broadcaster Keith Hernandez still uses the game to prepare for broadcasts.

Strat-O-Matic is considered to be ahead of the curve in emphasizing the importance of new-age statistics such as on-base percentage and WHIP.

SEE PHOTOSThe 3,000 hits club

As has been the case for decades, the company's headquarters are in Glen Head, across from the Long Island Rail Road station. So 50 years after he helped ignite the statistical revolution, Long Island's most famous stat guru will be one of eight to be honored.

Richman will be inducted with San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Harris Barton, Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball player Tal Brody, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum president Jeff Idelson, 1964 synchronized swimming Olympian/aquatic fitness pioneer Dr. Jane Katz, 2010 Olympic bobsledding gold medalist Steve Mesler, St. John's basketball star Alan Seiden, Jets GM/VP Dick Steinberg and Washington Wizards and Capitals owner Abe Pollin.

Seiden, Steinberg and Pollin will be inducted posthumously. The ceremony will be held at the Suffolk Jewish Community Center in Commack.