Quakes induct three into Hall of Fame

Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. -- To kick off the California League club's 15th anniversary, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes have created the Quakes Baseball Hall of Fame, an exclusive group designed to recognize people that have made an impact on the franchise, on and off the field.

The inaugural class of the Quakes Hall of Fame, as revealed by Quakes President Hank Stickney at the team's annual Hot Stove Banquet last night, consists of Gary Matthews Jr., Derrek Lee, and Matt Clement.

"All three of these players accomplished a great deal on the field in Rancho Cucamonga," said Quakes' Executive Vice President and General Manager Gerard McKearney. "They represent three of the more prominent Quakes alumni to prosper at the Major-League level and deserve to be recognized as the foundation of the Quakes Hall of Fame."

Stickney indicated that future inductions will take place annually and be voted on by the fans, both in-stadium and online.

"Going forward, former players, coaches, and staff would be eligible to be nominated for the Quakes Hall of Fame," said McKearney.

Among this years inductees, Matthews regained his connection with the Quakes' franchise this offseason by signing a five-year, $50 million contract to become the Angels' new center fielder. Known for his highlight-reel defensive plays, the former Padres' farmhand logged his time in Rancho Cucamonga in 1996 and 1997 and hit .302 in 1997 with eight homers and 40 RBIs in 69 games before earning a promotion to Double-A Mobile.

Lee, now the first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, spent the most time in Rancho Cucamonga. His 1,017 at-bats in a Quakes uniform trails only popular OF Chris Prieto (1,025). Lee spent time in a Quakes uniform during the inaugural 1993 season, when he was just 17, as well as the California League Championship season in '94 and in 1995, when Lee earned honors as the San Diego Padres' Minor League Player of the Year.

Clement was teammates of both Lee and Matthews at one point, spending time in a Quakes uniform in portions of the 1995-97 seasons. The current member of the Boston Red Sox was 13-12 with the Quakes, who made the California League playoffs in two of the three years he was with the Quakes.

Official plaques for these three inductees will be hung on a wall near the home clubhouse at The Epicenter in time for Opening Night.

The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes are the Class A Advanced California League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and open their 2007 season on Thursday, April 5th at home against the Lake Elsinore Storm. For information about ticket packages and group outings, please call (909) 481-5000.