Russell Baze, who has won more races than any jockey in the history of Thoroughbred racing, will be inducted into the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame in Oakland, Calif., on Feb. 25.
Formerly the African-American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame, MESHOF is dedicated to honoring sports legends of all races. MESHOF is a non-profit organization devoted to developing opportunities for less fortunate youth to gain exposure to positive aspects of life, and to broaden the public’s understanding of ethnic history and the role of diversity and cultural tolerance in the growth of professional sports.
Baze, who has 11,159 career victories as of Jan. 21, is part of 2011 induction class that also features NBA great Rick Barry and NFL star quarterback Y.A. Tittle.
This will be the fourth Hall of Fame induction for Baze, who is a member of the National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame (inducted in 1999), Washington Horse Racing Hall of Fame (2004), and the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s Hall of Fame (2007).
“I am extremely honored that the Multi Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame has selected me for induction, and very proud to be a member of such a fine class,” said Baze.
In addition to Baze, Barry, and Tittle, MESHOF’s 2011 induction class includes Ben Tucker (track and field), Proverb Jacobs (football), James Robinson (Olympian), Ron Davis (track and field), and Marilyn King (Olympian). The group will join a Hall of Fame that features many impressive members, including Lenny Wilkens (basketball), Wilt Chamberlain (basketball), John Brodie (football), and Dusty Baker (baseball).
The induction ceremony will be held at the Interstate Center-Mormon Temple in Oakland beginning at 6 p.m. PST. For ticket information visit www.afrosportshall.com or call (510) 472-0391.
Russell Baze
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