Inaugural Cal League Hall of Fame Class Includes Three from Bakersfield
February 16, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
BAKERSFIELD, CA - The California League announced its inaugural 14-member Hall of Fame class, and Bakersfield heads the list with three members, the most of any franchise. The three names might sound familiar, too, with Hall of Famers Don Drysdale and Pedro Martinez joining Sam Lynn, a founder of the California League and affiliated baseball in Bakersfield.
Pedro Martinez pitched as a member of the Bakersfield Dodgers in 1991, going a perfect 8-0 in 10 starts with a sterling 2.05 ERA and a mind-bending 83 strikeouts. Don Drysdale played with the 1954 Bakersfield Indians, where the future Los Angeles Dodgers ace went 8-5, and posted an ERA of 3.46 as a 17-year old professional.
While many know the history behind Martinez and Drysdale, Sam Lynn's legacy is known locally, but largely unappreciated across the state. The late business mogul was the premier driving force behind the formation of baseball in Bakersfield and the California League. Lynn passed two months before the first California League game took place in 1941, and the stadium in Bakersfield has drawn its name from Lynn ever since.
The California League is celebrating its 75th anniversary season in 2016. Founded in 1941, the league has produced 19 Hall of Famers, 16 MVP winners, 19 Cy Young recipients and 32 Rookie of the Year awards. Over 2,600 former California League players have reached the major leagues.
The league announced a 14-player inaugural Hall of Fame class. Additionally, a 15th player will be selected via an online fan vote during spring training that includes former Bakersfield Dodger Mike Piazza. The league will host a Hall of Fame celebration on June 21 in Lake Elsinore prior to the California-Carolina League All-Star Game.
In addition to Lynn, Martinez and Drysdale, the inaugural California League Hall of Fame class includes: Jose Cruz, Jr. (Lancaster), George Brett (San Jose), Ken Griffey, Jr. (San Bernardino), Rickey Henderson (Modesto), Reggie Jackson (Modesto), Xavier Nady (Lake Elsinore), Vada Pinson (Visalia), Gary Sheffield (Stockton), Bob Talbot (Visalia), Fernando Valenzuela (Lodi) and Omar Vizquel (Salinas).
The Bakersfield Blaze will honor the three inductees during a home game this season with several promotions planned surrounding the night.
California League Stories from February 16, 2016
- San Jose Giants to Participate in #SBStrong Night June 14 - San Jose Giants
- Inaugural Cal League Hall of Fame Class Includes Three from Bakersfield - Bakersfield Blaze
- 66ers to Celebrate Community with SB Strong Night on April 15th - Inland Empire 66ers
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