Standout Black Players in Quakes History

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at four of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

Howie Kendrick

A fan-favorite in Rancho in 2005, Kendrick appeared in 63 games for the Quakes and then made his big-league debut the following year, cracking the Angels’ roster in 2006. Kendrick made multiple rehab appearances in Rancho while with the Angels, then returned to LoanMart Field as a Dodger, rehabbing again over four games in 2016, becoming one of only two Quakes (Adam Kennedy) to appear in a Rancho uniform for two different MLB organizations. The Jacksonville, Florida native played in more than 1600 games over a 15-year big-league career and was a career .294 hitter. He was named NLCS MVP in 2019 and later helped lead the Washington Nationals to their first championship, defeating the Houston Astros in the 2019 World Series.

Gary Matthews, Jr

A member of the Quakes in both 1996 and 1997 while coming up through the Padres’ organization, Matthews appeared in 192 total games with the Quakes. The son of former Major League slugger Gary Matthews, Sr., the San Francisco, California native debuted with the Padres in 1999 and wore the uniform of seven different major league teams, appearing in 1281 games. He was an American League All-Star in 2006 with the Rangers, before signing a free-agent contract and enjoying three years with the Angels here in southern California towards the back-end of his 12-year big-league career.

Derrek Lee

One of the most popular Quakes of all time, Lee totaled 274 games in a Rancho uniform over parts of three different seasons (1993-1995). In 2002, Lee appeared in a league-high 162 games, leading the Florida Marlins in home runs (27), while helping them to a World Series win over the New York Yankees. The two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner went on to play for six major league teams over a 15-year career. The Sacramento, California native returned to Rancho Cucamonga to celebrate the Quakes’ 25 anniversary season in 2017, throwing out a ceremonial first pitch on Opening Night at LoanMart Field to kick off the year.

Chris Jacobs

The Quakes’ all-time franchise leader in home runs (56) and RBIs (183), Jacobs played for the Quakes over three seasons (2012-2014) and was a huge fan-favorite thanks to his ability to hit long and majestic home runs. “Big Jake” played ten seasons of minor league baseball for three different organizations, but none longer than the eight he played while a Los Angeles Dodgers farmhand. The Winston-Salem, North Carolina native’s franchise records still stand today, as he’s also among the Quakes’ top-five in games played (286) and hits (273).

2021 LoanMart Scholarship Winners Announced

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

RANCHO CUCAMONGA – For the ninth consecutive year, LoanMart and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes have partnered to award a total of three $1,000 scholarships to local college-bound students.

Selected based on the criteria of leadership, community involvement and character, this year’s competitive pool of applicants submitted personal statements, letters of recommendation and records of academic performance.

“The Quakes are proud to continue to team with LoanMart and reward these three exemplary students,” said Quakes Vice President – General Manager Grant Riddle. “With so many impressive and deserving applications submitted, this year’s decision process was a challenge, but we’re very confident in the future success awaiting these accomplished students.”

All three recipients finished high school with GPAs of 4.0 or higher and were members of their school’s National Honor Society.

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners:
Rylee Fochtman (Santiago High School)
Haley Aichlmayer (Rancho Cucamonga High School)
Ford Melillo (Rancho Cucamonga High School)

A multi-sport athlete and active member of her school’s Best Buddies program, Fochtman’s teachers noted her ‘compassion, self-discipline, and integrity’. She is attending UC Davis to study Neurobiology.

As a notable and talented flutist, Aichlmayer was chosen to perform in many area honor bands, including the iconic Rose Parade Marching Band. She plans to study Biological Sciences at UC Irvine this fall.

Headed to Stanford to pursue an English degree, Melillo was recognized for his outstanding high school career and selected as student of the year in multiple advanced placement subjects.

The Quakes will announce Fochtman, Aichlmayer, and Melillo’s selection on social media.

2020 LoanMart Scholarship Winners Announced

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA — For the eighth consecutive year, LoanMart and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes have partnered to award a total of three scholarships to local graduating high school seniors in San Bernardino County.

Each college-bound student will be awarded $1000 and will be officially honored by the Quakes on social media.

This year’s applicants were asked to write an essay on why they felt they deserved the scholarship, as well as submitting other information via application (e.g. intended major, school, class year, etc.). Winners were selected based on the criteria of leadership, community involvement and character.

“LoanMart is proud of this year’s scholarship winners for their commitment, dedication and hard work,” said LoanMart Marketing Manager Justin Cross. “We hope that this scholarship helps give them the support they need to accomplish their dreams!”

“The Quakes are proud to continue to team with LoanMart and reward three deserving students within our local community,” said Quakes Vice President – General Manager Grant Riddle. “The decision-making process this year was a difficult one as we had so many terrific, well-qualified applicants who are doing some great things in and for our community. We’re thrilled for these particular students and are confident all three are going to have a very bright future!”

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners:
Monserrat Landino (Rancho Cucamonga High School)
Alexis Lozoya (Don Lugo High School)
Asna Tabassum (Ayala High School)

Through her high school Accounting class, Landino is an IRS-certified volunteer who helps low-income families with their tax returns. Landino is planning to attend Cal State Fullerton in the Fall while working towards a degree in Accounting.

Tabassum is planning on attending USC while majoring in Biomedical Engineering. The Valedictorian of Ruben S. Ayala High School in Chino Hills had a non-weighted GPA of 4.0 and served more than 500 hours as a volunteer at Pomona Valley Hospital.

Lozoya graduated from Don Antonio Lugo High School in Chino. She has been a member of the Girl Scouts, was a four-year cheerleader and will attend UC San Diego in the Fall.

Keep an eye out on Quakes’ social media as we honor each winner of this year’s LoanMart scholarship.

Fans, Quakes raise $1,600 for MiLB Community First Campaign

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The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, their fans and Minor League Baseball have all teamed up to make a donation to our local Feeding America food bank, as part of the MiLB CommUNITY First Campaign.

A total of $1,660 will be donated to Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino, which is part of a bigger donation of over $50,000, raised by 100 minor league teams throughout the country as part of this MiLB program. In addition, the Quakes will provide 166 tickets to future Quakes games to frontline workers.

The MiLB CommUNITY First Campaign combined to donate more than 548,000 meals across 32 states. Your Quakes, thanks to the best fans in the California League, were one of the top-five teams to contribute.

“The Quakes pride themselves on being part of this community,” said Vice President – General Manager Grant Riddle. “Our fans came to bat with us and helped raise this money for families that need it during this incredibly difficult time. We’re proud to help do our part and look forward to celebrating frontline workers who do so much for this community when it’s safe to return to LoanMart Field and enjoy baseball!”

“Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino is grateful for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes efforts to step up and take action during this unprecedented time,” said Philanthropy Director Carolyn Solar. “This tremendous $1,600 gift will help provide up to 12,800 meals to vulnerable families and children in the Inland Empire this summer. Thank you, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes for supporting your local food bank!”

On behalf of MiLB HQ and MiLB Charities, the Quakes would like to thank the fans and local organizations for your support of this national campaign and your continued charitable work that you do for our community. The success of this campaign once again reinforces the commitment and positive impact that the Quakes and all of minor league baseball has in our communities.

California League Baseball Teams Unite to Assist With Fire Relief Efforts

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Oxnard, CA – As California begins it’s slow recovery process after some of the most deadliest & destructive fires in California history, the baseball teams of the California League have decided to step up to the plate and do their part for the relief efforts.

The California League boasts eight teams located throughout the state: San Jose, Stockton, Modesto, Visalia, Lancaster, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, and Lake Elsinore. Each team will be producing their own logoed cap with a firefighter theme, created by Cotapaxi, a custom design and manufacturing corporation located in San Diego. These custom caps will only be available for a limited time from each team & can be purchased for $20. Net proceeds from these sales will be donated to support the disaster relief efforts as we enter this holiday season.

“Minor League Baseball is all about being involved with our local communities. These fires have affected everyone in the state, and we all want to do our part to help out as much as we can” stated California League President, Charlie Blaney.

If you would like to purchase one of these caps, you can contact each team individually via their respective websites:

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About the Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino
The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino are the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The 66ers will enter a new season on April 4, 2019, their 9th season as an Angels affiliate. Ticket packages and corporate sponsorship packages are now available. To be a part of the 2019 Inland Empire 66ers season, please contact the 66ers at (909)888-9922, visit us online at www.66ers.com, or follow us on Facebook (Inland Empire 66ers), Instagram (@66ersbaseball), and Twitter (@66ersbaseball).

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Cal League Teams Unite to Assist With Fire Relief Efforts

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

California League Baseball Teams Unite to Assist With Fire Relief Efforts

Eight Minor League Baseball Teams Selling Firefighting Themed Caps

Oxnard, CA   As California begins it’s slow recovery process after some of the most deadliest & destructive fires in California history, the baseball teams of the California League have decided to step up to the plate and do their part for the relief efforts.

The California League boasts eight teams located throughout the state: San Jose, Stockton, Modesto, Visalia, Lancaster, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, and Lake Elsinore. Each team will be producing their own logoed cap with a firefighter theme, produced by Cotapaxi, a custom design and manufacturing corporation located in Commerce, CA. These custom caps will only be available for a limited time from each team & can be purchased for $20. Net proceeds from these sales will be donated to support the disaster relief efforts as we enter this holiday season.

“Minor League Baseball is all about being involved with our local communities. These fires have affected everyone in the state, and we all want to do our part to help out as much as we can” stated California League President, Charlie Blaney.

If you would like to purchase one of these caps, you can contact each team individually via their respective websites:

Or if you’d like to purchase all 8 caps for $150, you can contact Matt Blaney in the California League office.

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About the Visalia Rawhide
The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class ‘A’ Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. On April 4th, 2019; the Rawhide will open their 73nd year of play, and 13th as an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rawhide will be defending their 2018 Northern Division Championship, and look to continue providing competitive baseball and affordable family entertainment. To be a part of the 2019 Visalia Rawhide season, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Ticket Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Dodgers Foundation and San Manuel Team Up with Quakes

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) in partnership with the Dodgers, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes will host a Community Service Day at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 25 at LoanMart Field (8408 Rochester Ave.) in Rancho Cucamonga.

Dodger alumni Lee Lacy and Derrel Thomas along with players from the Dodgers’ Single-A partner Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and San Manuel volunteers will lead a youth baseball clinic and reading event for over 150 youth from Think Together, a LADF grantee that has afterschool and summer programming for students throughout the greater Los Angeles area, including Ontario, Colton, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto and Adelanto. Following the activities, a healthy lunch will be provided to all participants.

“It’s important that we work with our partners like the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation to give back to the community and to inspire the youth who are the future,” said Lynn Valbuena, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairwoman. “The 2018 Community Service Day is one of many examples of the San Manuel team working hand-in-hand with great organizations to bring smiles to more than 150 children in our local community.”

“We are thrilled to be extending our reach, and partnering with the Quakes and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to bring this event to Think Together’s participants in San Bernardino County,” said Nichol Whiteman, Executive Director, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. “Opportunities like this help multiply the impact of our investment in the communities we serve, and are an important part of our grantmaking program.”

This year’s program is the latest joint community initiative between LADF and San Manuel following a Dodgers Dreamfield Community Service Day last September at Bud Bender Park in Rialto, where youngsters took part in a youth clinic and community garden project. Think Together is a LADF grantee, receiving $25,000 since 2015 to support after school literacy and college access programs at 23 middle schools in Azusa, Baldwin Park, Duarte, Pico Rivera, Norwalk, Lynwood, El Monte and South Whittier.

Media interested in attending Monday’s event can RSVP by emailing Mike Lindskog (mlindskog@rcquakes.com). Media parking is available on site, and media can enter through LoanMart Field’s main entrance.

About the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation:

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation is the official team charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Its primary focus is to support cornerstone programs in Sports + Recreation, Education + Literacy and Health + Wellness benefitting children and families in need throughout the greater Los Angeles region. By leveraging strategic partnerships, the mission is to harness the power of the Dodger brand and the passion our fans have for Los Angeles into a vehicle for positive change in under-served communities. Visit the Dodgers Foundation online at www.dodgers.com/ladf, follow them on Twitter @DodgersFdn, Instagram @dodgersfoundation and like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesDodgersFoundation.

About the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians:

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is a federally-recognized Indian tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. San Manuel exercises its inherent sovereign right of self-governance and provides essential services for its citizens by building infrastructure, maintaining civil services, and promoting social, economic and cultural development. As descendants of the indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys, mountains and high deserts, the Serrano people of San Manuel have called this area home since time immemorial and are committed to remaining a productive partner in the San Bernardino region.

About Think Together:

Think Together partners with schools and communities to pursue educational equity and excellence for all kids. As a nonprofit organization, Think Together innovates, implements and scales academic solutions that change the odds for hundreds of thousands of California students. Think Together’s program areas include early learning, afterschool, school support services and leadership development for teachers and school administrators. For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Quakes partner with Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital for Quakes25

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes are celebrating 25 seasons in 2017 and long-time partner Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital will be title sponsor of the team’s “Quakes25 Celebration”.

The festivities begin Thursday, April 13th at LoanMart Field with Opening Night presented by Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, when the Quakes will debut teal and pinstripe jerseys resembling the Quakes uniforms in the inaugural 1993 season. The team will then wear the specialty uniforms and commemorative teal and black on-field caps as part of a once-a-month Saturday series, resulting in a jersey auction benefiting the Loma Linda University Children Hospital’s Vision 2020 Campaign.

“We’re excited to support our community with the Quakes for what will be a spectacular 25th Season,” said Jillian Payne, Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. “We’re truly grateful for the Quakes’ generosity and know that together, we can build hope for our community.”

Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital is located just 21 miles from LoanMart Field and is the only dedicated Children’s Hospital in the Inland Empire. Among its initiatives, Vision 2020 will provide funding for a new Children’s Hospital tower by the year 2020.

“The Quakes are proud to partner our organization, passionate fans and wonderful support with Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital and the impact they have in our community,” Quakes Vice President/General Manager Grant Riddle said. “We are honored to have the fans we do, a history of success and receive such outstanding support from the City of the Rancho Cucamonga. The Quakes are excited to recognize and celebrate our franchise, community and partners throughout our 25th season.”

The “Quakes25 Celebration” Saturdays presented by Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital are April 15th, May 20th, June 17th, July 15th, August 26th and September 2nd and will include appearances from former Quakes players, pre-game recognition of 25-year season ticket holders, partners and other special guests.

In addition to the Saturday festivities and firework shows, the “Quakes25 Celebration” theme will anchor the 2017 promotional schedule and marketing efforts. The first 1,500 fans through the gates on April 15th will take home a retro replica jersey, courtesy of LoanMart. Each of the five Quakes bobblehead giveaways will include a teal base to recognize the 25th season and the U.S. Bank hat giveaway on July 1st will utilize the teal pinstripes and the original Quakes logo from 1993.

The teal and black commemorative hat from New Era, complete with a “Quakes25” patch and embroidered bill, will be available in the Quakes Team Store at LoanMart Field and online, along with other “Quakes25” merchandise.

Don’t miss any of the Quakes25 Celebration! Season tickets and mini-season tickets are still available at rcquakes.com. Individual game tickets will go on sale Tuesday, March 28th at 10am. Keep up with all Quakes 2017 news using #Quakes25 and follow the Quakes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram under @RCQuakes.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

LoanMart and Quakes to Award College Scholarships!

RanchoCucamongaQuakes_2013-07-18

 

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and their Stadium Naming Rights Partner, LoanMart, will come together here in 2013 to name three (3) $1000 scholarship winners, as part of the LoanMart Scholarship Program.

Any student in the graduating class of a local high school, who is a citizen of the United States of America, and resident within the specific area of San Bernardino County, may file an application to be considered to receive one of the three scholarships to be awarded in August of 2013.

“LoanMart is committed to helping local students within the Rancho Cucamonga Community, by awarding these scholarships to encourage the pursuit of education and hard work,” said LoanMart Director of Marketing Colby Estes. “We want to show the people of San Bernardino Country that we are committed to the community on and off the field.”

“The Quakes are proud to team up with LoanMart to reward three students with thousand dollar scholarships and help out future leaders of our community,” said Quakes Vice President / General Manager Grant Riddle.

Scholarship, leadership, community involvement, and character are criteria by which applicants will be judged. Only students of outstanding merit, who show an appreciation of the value of an education and community involvement, have a chance to win this award.

All applications are due by Friday, August 16th, with winners to be announced and recognized in a special pre-game ceremony at LoanMart Field before the end of the 2013 season.

To view and download the Scholarship Application, please click here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Click here to view the original story.