## FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ## December 23, 2012
INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED FOR INAUGURAL
SACRAMENTO SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Baker, Cartwright, Johnson, Lopez and Sanders are First Inductee Class
Sacramento area sports fans have spoken as the first class of inductees have been announced for the inaugural Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame. Fan voting took place via the internet at www.sacsportshof.com between November 20th - December 20th.
Fans were allowed to vote only once from their computer and cast their ballot for their top five all time Sacramento home grown athletes from a list of 56 nominees ranging from stars over the past 70 years. Over 7,300 votes were cast during that time frame and fans ultimately determined the inductees. The top five vote getters will be enshrined and honored on February 2, 2013 at the First Annual Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame Celebration to be held at Thunder Valley Casino Resort.
“The fans really embraced this” said founder and Executive Director, TC Martin. “The fans were actively involved in the voting process and showed great support for the concept and their favorite athletes. We have seen a tremendous response from Sacramento sports fans.”
Heading the first induction class of 2013 is current Cincinnati Reds Manager and former Giants skipper, Dusty Baker. “It is honor and privilege to be selected” said Baker. I’m honored to be from Sacramento and this shows everyone around the country what great talent we have here.”
Also selected was former Elk Grove and NBA star Bill Cartwright and fellow basketball all star and current Sacramento Mayor, Kevin Johnson. “This is truly an honor and I sincerely appreciate the recognition” said Cartwright. “To be part of this group with these tremendous athletes is terrific.”
Local Boxing legend Tony “Tiger” Lopez who won three world titles and two time Olympic Gold Medalist Summer Sanders are part of the first ever induction class. “It’s a big honor” said Lopez. “For people to show the appreciation of all the hard work it’s very special to be honored in my hometown.”
The five inductees will be present to accept their induction at the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame Celebration event on February 2nd at Thunder Valley Casino Resort. Fans will get and up close and personal look at these Sacramento legends. Tickets are now on sale at Thunder Valley or at ticketmaster.com. VIP ticket packages are available which include a meet and greet with the inductees. For more information: www.sacsportshof.com.