After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic and awaiting the completion of the construction of the new venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, we returned in grand fashion with another outstanding rendition of the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration, ushering in a new class of Sacramento's all-time greatest athletes.
The Class of 2024 featured homegrown superstars: Matt Barnes, James Donaldson, Nick Johnson, Leon Lee and Jamie Whitmore. The crowd was mesmerized by their amazing stories and careers while seeing these legends up close and personal and hearing about their journeys directly from them. Several inductees battled through adversity while overcoming many life-threating obstacles. It was truly inspiring to see and hear their stories and eventually seeing them persevering through some difficult times. Each inductee expressed true emotions toward all their family and friends who guided, supported and remained with them throughout their lives and careers.
Another highlight of the evening, and is a traditional custom, was seeing many of our legendary past inductees being present and showing their support of the Class of 2024. Bill Cartwright, Tony “The Tiger” Lopez, Derrek Lee, Jerry Royster, Loreto Garza, Leron Lee, Danielle Viglione, Fernando Vina, Gerald Willhite, Randy Lerch, Aaron Garcia and Dusty Baker.
We once again, featured the induction of a local Sacramento Special Olympics athlete. This year’s inductee was Robert Bodas who has been involved with Special Olympics for 40 years participating in eight different sprots during his career. Also honored were Special Olympics nominees, Rodney Hayes and Tyler Sierras while past inductees, Deanne Bridges, Rolondo Jimenez, Patrick Underly and Dewayne Schendel, father of Donald Schendel.
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.
It was another successful celebration and fun evening that saw five more homegrown genuine and humble people join the ranks as Sacramento’s greatest athletes, bringing a total of 45 into our famed 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.
Click here for event photos.
Click here to see the list of inductees and their videos.
If you have any photos or videos you'd like to share, please email us at SacSportsHOF@att.net. We'd love to post them on our website!