San Manuel Inducted into 66ers Hall of Fame

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians was inducted into the Inland Empire 66ers Hall of Fame on August 27 at 6:55 p.m. preceding the start of the 7:15 p.m. game.

The Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to honor individuals and organizations making positive contributions to the Inland Empire through philanthropy, volunteerism and community leadership and includes notable professional baseball players with connections to the region such as Ken Hubbs and Alvin Davis.

This is the first time since 2010 that an honoree is being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“This recognition is long overdue. San Manuel has supported the 66ers organizations since the late 1980s when we were called the Spirit and has grown to become a both vital team and community partner,” said Byron Marquez, Director of Business Relations & President of 66ers Family Outreach. “Now is the right time to recognize the Tribe which has dedicated itself to community building, continually standing strong with cities here in the Inland Empire.”

The Tribe has been a longtime supporter of the local baseball club and in recent years began working with the 66ers to develop community based partnerships that benefit area community groups, non-profits, little leagues and schools. Plans to expand programs such as Homeruns for Charity are being developed as the Tribe and 66ers focus on utilizing San Manuel Stadium as a base for these initiatives. In 2012 the stadium was renamed the San Manuel Stadium when the Tribe became the naming rights sponsor.

“San Manuel is honored to be inducted into the Inland Empire 66ers Hall of Fame,” said San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena. “The 66ers are great for the Inland Empire and through our partnership we have been able to directly connect with families and residents as one community with the team and the stadium bringing us together.”