Four Major Leaguers to Enter JetHawks Hall of Fame on August 8
Published on July 23, 2008 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(LANCASTER, CA) -The first half champion Lancaster JetHawks, Class A Affiliate of the World Champion Boston Red Sox, will induct four new members into the JetHawks Hall of Fame during a special pre-game ceremony Friday, August 8 at Clear Channel Stadium. Former JetHawks stars Miguel Montero and Mark Reynolds, who both play for the Arizona Diamondbacks, former Lancaster Stealth infielder Brandon Inge, now of the Detroit Tigers, and former Antelope Valley College baseball coach Dave Trembley, the manager of the Baltimore Orioles, will all earn the special honor.
Montero was a fan-favorite and one of the top hitters in the California League in 2005. A native of Venezuela, Montero was the starting catcher at the annual California - Carolina League All-Star game and became a top prospect in the Arizona organization during his sting in Lancaster, hitting .349 with 24 home runs and 82 RBI before being promoted to AA. He made his major league debut at the end of 2006 and has shared playing time with former JetHawks player Chris Snyder as the joint starting catchers of the Arizona Diamondbacks ever since.
The story of Mark Reynolds' rise to the big leagues is centered in Lancaster. Not even in the opening day lineup for the JetHawks in 2006, Reynolds' offensive ability soon earned him a regular spot as the cleanup hitter. The native of Virginia played second base, third base, shortstop, and left field but was most celebrated for his hitting. Reynolds was leading the three in the triple crown categories (.337 average, 23 home runs, 77 RBI) before his promotion to AA in June and inclusion on Team USA later that summer. When he made his Major League debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks the following May, Reynolds become one of the quickest players to ever go from Lancaster to the Major Leagues. He has been the starting third baseman for Arizona ever since.
Inge spent time in Lancaster playing for the Stealth in the California Fall League. Another native of Virginia, Inge led the Fall League in batting average, hitting .407, and also led the circuit with four triples. The California Fall League lasted only one season (1999), but sent 42 players on their way to the Major Leagues. Inge has been a valuable member of the Detroit Tigers since 2001.
In the "Friends of Baseball in the Antelope Valley" category, the JetHawks are proud to induct Baltimore Orioles manager Dave Trembley. A key part in the development of Trembley's managerial style came during his time in the Antelope Valley. A New York native, Trembley first came to Lancaster as the head coach at Antelope Valley College after three years of coaching high school baseball. He would go on to spend five seasons with the school, leading to his entry into professional baseball as a scout. After 20 seasons as one of the top managers in the minor leagues, Trembley took over as the manager of the Orioles in June of 2007, one of only a handful of individuals to be named a Major League skipper without ever having played professional baseball.
Each inductee will be honored August 8 before the JetHawks game against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. While the inductees themselves will be unable to attend the ceremonies due to their ongoing seasons, they will each be presented with a plaque celebrating their new status as JetHawks Hall of Famers.
Individual game tickets for all JetHawks home games, including playoff games, are available in person at the JetHawks Box Office Monday - Friday from 10 AM - 5 PM or Saturdays from 10 AM - 3 PM. More information can be found on-line at www.JetHawks.com.
California League Stories from July 23, 2008
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