Sandoval and Wakefield to be inducted into Augusta GreenJackets Hall of Fame

AUGUSTA, Ga. - In their 25th season, the Augusta GreenJackets will commemorate two former players in the first annual Augusta GreenJackets Hall of Fame. This year the committee chose to induct San Francisco Giants infielder Pablo Sandoval and former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield.

"Going into our 25th year of Minor League Baseball, we felt like it was appropriate to recognize past players who have played for Augusta by beginning a hall of fame," Augusta GreenJackets General Manager Bob Flannery said.

The GreenJackets will feature two promotional days to honor the first ever inductees. On June 1, the first 1,200 fans will receive a bronze Wakefield statuette, and a bronze Sandoval statuette will be given to the first 1,200 fans on August 3.

"We are excited to have two great giveaway nights where our fans can receive a free bronze statuette of these two incredible ballplayers," Flannery said.

Sandoval spent 2006 in Augusta, where he split time between first and third base. That season, Sandoval batted .265 with 116 hits, 49 RBI and 43 runs. In 2008, Sandoval was called up to the Majors after being named the Giants' Minor League Player of the Year.

While Sandoval was part of the Giants' 2010 World Series team, it was on the 2012 team where he shined. During Game 1 on October 24, Sandoval homered three times in his first three at-bats. Sandoval was named the World Series Most Valuable Player after finishing the postseason with 24 hits, six home runs and13 RBI, while batting .364, en route to the Giants winning the World Series.

In 1989, Wakefield started at first base for the Augusta Pirates. After being told he would never make it past Double-A as a first baseman, Wakefield began pitching.

Wakefield went on to become one of the most successful knuckleballers in the Majors. Over his 19-year Major League career, Wakefield posted a record of 200-180 with a 4.41 ERA and1.35 WHIP. Wakefield holds two Red Sox records with 430 starts and 3,006 innings pitched. He also ranks 109th on the Major League list with 200 wins.

Ninety-one players who wore an Augusta GreenJackets uniform have made it to the Major League. The GreenJackets plan to continue inducting players, administrators and local individuals each year.

Individual tickets for the 2013 season will go on sale in March, while season tickets are currently on sale. For more information on GreenJackets tickets call (706) 922-WINS.