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Earthquakes Legend Chris Wondolowski Named to Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024

February 20, 2024 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


SAN JOSE, Calif. - San Jose Earthquakes legend Chris Wondolowski has been named a member of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF) Class of 2024. The BASHOF Class of 2024 Enshrinement, presented in part by KNBR 680 AM, will be held on Monday, May 6, at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco. The star-studded Class of 2024 inductees also includes Patrick Marleau (Hockey), Brian Sabean (Baseball), John Taylor (Football), and Jenny Thompson (Swimming).

"It's an absolute honor and privilege to be inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame," said Wondolowski. "The Bay Area has such a long, proud history, so to be even considered among those who have made the biggest impact on our local sports community is humbling. Congratulations as well to Patrick Marleau, Brian Sabean, John Taylor, and Jenny Thompson on being selected for such a tremendous distinction."

Wondolowski is one of the most well-renowned and decorated soccer players in Earthquakes history, recognized for his leadership, work ethic, and community involvement. A Danville native and graduate of Concord's De La Salle High School, he finished his 17-year Major League Soccer career in 2021 as the league's all-time leading scorer with 171 goals and the Earthquakes' leader in nearly all statistical categories.

The forward was originally selected by the Quakes in the final round of the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft after a standout college career at Chico State. After scoring four goals in his first four seasons, he broke through in 2010 when he led the league in scoring with 18 goals in 26 matches to earn his first Golden Boot. In 2012, Wondolowski enjoyed a career year, tying the MLS single-season record with 27 goals for his second Golden Boot. He was also named the league's Most Valuable Player while leading San Jose to its best regular season in club history and second Supporters' Shield. Wondolowski was named MLS Best XI three straight times from 2010-12.

On a team level, he won two MLS Cups (2006 and 2007 with Houston Dynamo FC) and two Supporters' Shields (2005 and 2012 with San Jose). Wondolowski broke Landon Donovan's MLS goal-scoring record in style by scoring four goals in a 2019 game against the Chicago Fire. To cap his career, he scored a goal in his last match at PayPal Park, and immediately after the final whistle, he announced his retirement on the field in front of the San Jose fans.

Internationally, Wondolowski made 35 appearances and scored 11 goals for the United States. A proud member of the Kiowa Tribe, he became the first Native American to play for the U.S. at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, appearing in two matches. He also represented the U.S. at three Concacaf Gold Cups, helping the U.S. win the tournament in 2013 while earning the Golden Boot with a tournament-best five goals.

The BASHOF Class of 2024 represents a diverse swath of Bay Area sports, and each individual inductee has reached an elite level of success within their field.

"We are extremely excited to induct the 2024 class into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF)," said Mario Alioto, Board Chair of BASHOF. "Each of these individuals has achieved a rare level of success during their careers and helped bring worldwide attention to the Bay Area. It's especially gratifying that this class also recognizes athletes in several sports that have been historically underrepresented in BASHOF relative to their positive impact on the greater Bay Area community."

The remaining Class of 2024 members include individuals who have earned a wide range of honors, awards, and accolades, including being selected to their representative Hall of Fames, League Championships, Olympic Gold Medals, Most Valuable Player awards, and All-Star Games.

Patrick Marleau: NHL's all-time leader in games played; 2x Olympic Gold Medalist (2010, 2014), World Cup of Hockey Gold Medal (2004), 4x NHL All-Star; San Jose Sharks all-time leading scorer.

Brian Sabean: 3x World Series Champion general manager (2010, 2012, 2014), Executive of the Year award (2003), seven postseason appearances (1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2010, 2012, and 2014); longest tenured general manager in San Francisco Giants history (20 seasons).

John Taylor: 3x Super Bowl Champion (XXIII, XXIV, XXIX); 2x Pro Bowl (1988, 1989); NFL 1980's All Decade Team; Second-Team All Pro (1989).

Jenny Thompson: International Swimming Hall of Fame; most Gold Medals by a female swimmer in Olympic Games history (8x), 3x Silver Medals (1992, 2004 [2]), Bronze Medal (2000); 15 World Swimming Records; 19 NCAA National Individual and Relay Titles at Stanford University.

Tables of eight (8) guests for the induction ceremony, which includes a seated dinner, are now on sale for $5,500 and can be purchased online at bashof.org. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Northern California.

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