Santa Clarita Valley Journal | Middleton Honored (49.23)

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Santa Clarita Valley Journal
Vicente Lamb, Stars Reporter
September 25, 2049

VALENCIA – The Stars inducted former pitcher Brian Middleton in the team's hall of fame last night before their home game against the Lumberjacks. He is the sixth former Valencia player to be so honored. A near sellout crowd of 44,592 witnessed the occasion. Brewster Hall of Famer Jason Dunn, who was Middleton's battery mate for the better part of twelve seasons, was on hand to present Middleton with the customary scarlet jacket worn by inductees into the Valencia Hall of Stars. Also in attendance were Valencia hall members and former teammates Skip Glendenning and Kevin Minuso. Club hall of famer Ken Howell, who is 88, was unable to attend in person due to health reasons. He and Mauro Flores, who currently lives in Venezuela, attended remotely and could be seen on the right field video board.

In his remarks, Middleton thanked his parents, Jesse and Erin his wife, Michelle (who was in attendance), his agent, former club general manager Lee Honigsfeld, current team owner Sofia Corretti-Dobbs and club executives for reaching out to former players such as himself and keeping them involved in team activities, and the fans. He also commented that the excitement and energy around the club in the present reminded him of the atmosphere in Valencia during his own time as a player (2008-22) and how much he enjoyed being a part of that. Because Middleton's heyday coincided with Valencia's (the club made seven playoff appearances and won its only Cartwright Cup during his tenure), he has always been one the more popular Stars players.

As part of the festivities, Middleton threw out the first pitch to current Stars catcher Roelof Klooster. The 64 year-old threw off the mound and reportedly hit 78 on the radar gun. Also in attendance were Middlton's three children and five grandchildren.

The Stars defeated the Lumberjacks 5-1, thanks to a Lee Stone grand slam in the eighth inning.