Jed York announces first wave for 49ers Hall of Fame
Posted by Dan Brown on May 12th, 2009 at 3:55 pm | Categorized as Uncategorized
To honor the players, coaches and executives who have made “exceptional contributions to the organization,’’ the 49ers on Tuesday announced the creation of the Edward DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame, as well as the first wave of inductees.
The inaugural class includes the 16 men whose number has been retired by the organization or who have been selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The group will be honored during Alumni Weekend on Oct. 11, when the 49ers host the Atlanta Falcons.
Additionally, a plaque with each player’s likeness will be displayed prominently in the Hall of Fame at Candlestick Park
“As someone who was raised alongside 49ers legends,” owner Jed York said in statement, “I am honored to be announcing the creation of the Edward DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame. This exclusive group will be comprised of those who have made our franchise what it is today.”
Here’s the list:
John Brodie
Dwight Clark
Fred Dean
Jimmy Johnson
John Henry Johnson
Charlie Krueger
Ronnie Lott
Hugh McElhenny
Joe Montana
Leo Nomellini
Joe Perry
Bob St. Clair
Y.A. Tittle
Bill Walsh
Dave Wilcox
Steve Young
The first commentor on this blog spotted the notable omission: Jerry Rice But that’s a technicality based on the parameters mentioned above. The 49ers haven’t retired his jersey yet and, because Rice last played in 2005, he isn’t yet eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
York indicated that another man will join the list soon, and it seems safe to assume that it will be Rice. York said in the statement: “In the near future, we will share with our fans the Hall of Fame’s inaugural inductee an individual who embodies the excellence this franchise continues to strive for each and every day.”
In future years, the 49ers will enshrine at least two members annually. The selection committee will present ownership with an annual list of candidates. Fans will then have the ability to help select each year’s induction class via the team’s official website,
www.49ers.com.
The 49ers define team Hall of Fame candidates as those who displayed “outstanding production and performance on the field, key contributions to the team’s success, and/or the embodiment of the spirit and essence of the San Francisco 49ers.”
Nobody asked for my vote, but Bobb McKittrick, Roger Craig and Bryant Young ought to near the top of the team’s to-do list.
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In other news, the 49ers waived Kirby Freeman. The team had signed the Baylor quarterback as an undrafted free agent.