Indians Announce 2019 Rim of Honor Inductees

SPOKANE, Wash. - The Spokane Indians announced Thursday that Andrew Vathis and Bill Buckner have been named the 2019 Rim of Honor recipients.

"We are excited to welcome two outstanding individuals to the Rim of Honor," said Indians Senior Vice President, Otto Klein. "Through the years, Andrew and Bill have both had a profound impact on Indians baseball and the Spokane community."

The team created the Rim of Honor in 2007 to honor both individuals and organizations that have positively contributed to the Indians and the city of Spokane both on and off the field. There are four permanent members of the Rim of Honor: Dwight Aden, Tommy Lasorda, Levi McCormack, and Maury Wills. In addition to the permanent members, two new members are added to the Rim of Honor annually.

Andrew Vathis, who tragically passed away last fall while walking home from work, was a dear friend to the Indians and to the entire Spokane community. He attended multiple Indians games each summer and was a longtime Special Olympian. He had an infectious smile that brought joy to everyone he encountered, especially while at Avista Stadium.
 
Bill Buckner, a veteran of 22 Major League seasons, spent part of two years playing for the Spokane Indians in 1969 and 1970. In 1970, Buckner hit .335 for the Pacific Coast League Championship team that is widely regarded as one of the greatest Minor League Baseball teams of all time. His 2,715 Major League hits ranks second only to Carlos Beltran among former Spokane Indians who played in the big leagues. Bill had significant ties to the Pacific Northwest, playing for the Indians, serving two seasons as the Hitting Coach for the Boise Hawks, and spending years in Boise after his retirement from baseball.

The 2019 Rim of Honor recipients will be honored in a special ceremony before the home opener on June 21st against the Boise Hawks for Opening Night Fireworks and AAA Magnet Schedule Giveaway presented by Gus Johnson Ford, KREM 2, 93.7 The Mountain, and The Journal of Business. It's the start of a seven-game homestand at Avista Stadium. Tickets are available now by clicking HERE or calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886).