Legends Hall Of Fame
#3 Josh Anderson - 2005
Josh Anderson became the first ever Kentuckian to play for the Lexington Legends in the 2004 season. The former Eastern Kentucky University All-American was known for his swashbuckling style on the base paths. Anderson terrorized the South Atlantic League pitchers in 2004 setting Lexington Legends club records with a .326 average and 48 steals in just 73 games. Anderson's signature moment came on April 25, 2004 with current Houston Astros General Manager Tim Purpura in attendance. "The Colonel", as Josh was known, tied a Miinor League Baseball record by going six for six against Greensboro. Anderson also scored five runs and stole four bases in the Legends 13-6 win.
#14 John Buck - 2005
John Buck was the anchor of Lexington Legends 2001 South Atlantic League Championship team. The quiet leader brought a rare blend of firepower and intellect to the Legends. Offensively, Buck was a handful, smashing 22 home runs and driving in 73 runs. Buck's biggest contribution was the guidance and calming influence on a pitching staff that went on to post the SAL's third best ERA of 3.10. On July 21, 2001, J. B. made his most distinguishing performance of the season, drilling a first inning grand slam, and returning to the plate in the 2nd inning and connecting on a three-run homer giving him seven RBI in two swings in the Legends win over Charleston, West Virginia.
#20 J.J. Canon - 2006
JJ Canon was the first manager of the Lexington Legends. He led the inaugural team to a minor league best record of 92-48 and a South Atlantic League title in 2001. For his excellence, he was named minor league baseball's top manager by industry magazine Baseball Weekly. During his 2 years at the helm, Cannon completed a career record of 177-107. His 177 wins and .623 winning percentage rank as the best of any Legends manager.
#3 Felix Escalona - 2005
Felix Escalona was a steadying force on a Lexington Legends team that won 96 games and a South Atlantic League Championship in 2001. Escalona was among the top players in the SAL and was honored for achievements by being named to the SAL Post-Season All-Star team. Felix holds the record for most doubles in one season by a Legend with 42 and ranks among the top five in six different single season categories. On April 4, 2002, Felix Escalona became the first ever Legend to make it to Major League Baseball when he made his debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
#19 Mike Gallo - 2007
Mike Gallo was one of the best relievers in Lexington Legends history. Gallo's knee buckling curve ball helped the Legends win 81 games in the South Atlantic League in 2002. Gallo posted a 4-4 record with eight saves in 42 games and his stingy 1.83 ERA is the fourth lowest in Legends history. Gallo rapidly advanced through the Houston farm system and made his Major League debut for the Astros on July 2, 2003.
#2 Kirk Saarloos - 2006
Kirk Saarloos came to Lexington Legends in June 2001 and quickly established himself as the pre-eminent closer in the South Atlantic League. Saarloos saved 11 games for the Legends while compiling an ERA of 1.17 in just 22 games. Saarloos made his major league debut on June 18, 2002 as the second Legend to make it to the major leagues, the first to play for the Legends parent club the Houston Astros.
Alan Stein - 2005
Persistence, dedication and personal sacrifice have paid off for Alan Stein and his beloved Lexington, KY. It had been his dream for over twenty years to bring the best of professional baseball to Central Kentucky. Alan poured his tremendous energy and enthusiasm into turning his dream into a reality. The success of the Lexington Legends and Applebee's Park have made him a national leader in the sports industry and follow a long history of personal and business success. In addition, he is well known nationally for his volunteer efforts and humanitarian work with countless charitable, civic and service organizations. Alan Stein has now set his sites on creating a model for a national company that will be an industry leader in owning and operating multiple Minor League Baseball Clubs.
#30 Charley Taylor - 2005
Lexington's early success can be traced back to the foundation laid by Legends coach Charley Taylor. During the first four campaigns, the native Kentuckian's pitching staff ranked among the South Atlantic League's top four three times, leading the league in ERA in 2002. Under Taylor's guidance, three former Legends have already realized their dreams of making it to Major League Baseball. Taylor's exceptional teaching style is a combination of personal experience, dedication, and technology, all aimed to help his players reach their potential.
#37 Jon Topolski - 2005
Jon Topolski was the driving force behind a team that won 96 games and a South Atlantic League Championship in 2001. "Topper" led the Legends in more ways than just in his traditional leadoff spot in the batting order. The left fielder led the SAL in hits (158) and RBI (96), and was fifth in the league in home runs (24). Topolski's prominent moment came on the biggest stage. In game two of the first round of the South Atlantic League Playoffs, Topolski hit a 451-foot home run to break up a 6-6 tie with Hagerstown and help ice the Northern Division Championship.
#8 Tommy Whiteman - 2007
Tommy Whiteman displayed an uncommon blend of powerful offense and near flawless defense at shortstop while playing for the Legends during the 2001 and 2002 seasons. Whiteman helped lead the Legends to the 2001 South Atlantic League Championship while finishing 2nd in the SAL in batting with a .319 batting average. Whiteman was named the SAL player of the week three times and still holds four career batting records including career home runs (28) and career Triples (10). His sixteen game hit streak is tied for the longest in Legends history.