The Jason Bartlett and Merv Rettenmund Hall of Fame Ceremony is set for Aug. 12.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Former Red Wings Jason Bartlett and Merv Rettenmund will be inducted into the Rochester Red Wings Hall of Fame on Friday, Aug. 12, in a pregame ceremony before the Wings host Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at 7:05 p.m.
Jason Bartlett – This slick-fielding shortstop played parts of three seasons for the Red Wings in 2004, 2005 and 2006, earning promotions to the Minnesota Twins in each of those seasons. In 2004 he hit .331 with 3 homers and 29 RBI: in 2005 he hit .332 with 5 homers and 33 RBI: and in 2006 he hit .306 with one homer and 20 RBI before being called up to Minnesota for good. In 2006, he played a key role in helping the Wings reach the Governors’ Cup Finals. His .323 career average is the 6th-best in the long history of the Red Wings. He went on to have a 10-year Major League career with the Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, and San Diego Padres.
Merv Rettenmund – Although he played just one season in Rochester, it was a year that Red Wings fans will never forget. This powerful outfielder played a pivotal role in leading the Wings to a third-place finish in 1968. Rettenmund slugged 22 homers while driving in 59 runs, to go along with his league-leading .331 average. He was named the International League MVP and Rookie of the Year, as well as The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year. He went on to have a 13-year Major League career with the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, San Deigo Padres, and California Angels.
Ron Shelton was elected this year but due to a scheduling conflict will not be in attendance. He asked to be inducted during next year’s ceremony so that he’s able to attend, and the Red Wings were happy to oblige. The date for the 2017 Hall of Fame Night has yet to be determined.
*The Rochester Red Wings are operated by Rochester Community Baseball, Inc. and have been a community-owned professional baseball franchise since 1957. The 2016 campaign marks the 20th season at Frontier Field. Rochester’s pro baseball history dates back to 1877.