For the 7th straight year, fans, athletes, family and friends gathered together for another exciting evening of the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration. In front of a sold out house at Thunder Valley Casino Resort the event featured an outstanding presentation of the Class of 2019 with homegrown superstars: Chris Bosio, Lance Briggs, Aaron Garcia, Geoff Jenkins and Tommy Kono (posthumously) being honored. With the return of past inductees Dusty Baker, Dan Bunz, Loreto Garza, Tony “The Tiger” Lopez, Jerry Royster and Danielle Viglione along with numerous other Hall of Fame nominees it was another great night of fun and tribute for athletes and fans alike.
We once again, featured the induction of a Special Olympics athlete. This year’s recipient was Rolando Jimenez whose achievements span over 45 years of participation in basketball, softball, bowling and his favorite sport of bocce ball. His story is one of determination, success and human kindness. His smile is one that can make your day turn brighter, and his kindness and attitude are to be admired by all. Rolando was surrounded by family and friends, as well as the other nominees: Karissa Kraters-Trinchera, Mark Marshall and Dylan Miller (Nominee Holley Matlack was unable to attend).
Fans were treated to the comedy of Dennis Gaxiola who has become a staple at our annual celebration. He roasted the inductees with his comedic flair and had the audience and the inductees laughing. Those in attendance got an up close and personal look at each athlete’s family history and a behind the scenes feel of their storied careers. The true character of our athletes showed as they were so appreciative of their induction and support that was given by all their fans. Every inductee expressed true emotions toward all their family and friends who guided, supported and remained with them throughout their lives and careers.
It was another successful celebration that saw five more homegrown genuine people join the ranks as Sacramento’s greatest athletes; bringing a total of 35 into our fraternity of the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard on this amazing evening: our staff, Thunder Valley Casino Resort, our inductees, their families and the fans for their continued support.
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Click here to see the list of inductees and their videos.
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