Seven to Be Inducted Into O.C. Hall of Fame Today

Former Angel stars Nolan Ryan and Brian Downing, and track stars Mary Decker Slaney and Steve Scott are among the seven athletes entering the Orange County Sports Hall of Fame today. Ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. in the Hall of Fame patio at Anaheim Stadium.

Other honorees include former Ram lineman Rich Saul, boxer and referee George Latka and tennis champion Josephine Cruickshank.

Downing, who spent 13 of his 20 seasons with the Angels, holds 10 of the team’s 12 individual career records and is the only player to have been on all three of the Angels’ division winners. Ryan, an Angel from 1972-79, holds six Angel all-time pitching records and is the majors’ all-time leader in strikeouts (5,714) and no-hitters (7).

Slaney was a three-time Olympian, and at one time held every American record from the 800 meters to the 10,000 meters. Scott ran more sub-four minute miles (135) than any runner and was a three-time Olympian.

Saul was a six-time Pro Bowl selectee who once started 176 consecutive games for the Rams. Latka was the Pacific Coast lightweight champion in the early 1940s, and is in the Boxing Hall of Fame as a fighter and referee.

Cruickshank was the Southern California women’s singles champion in 1933, and won numerous doubles ribbons playing with Midge Gladman from 1972-35. She played on the Wrightman Cup team as well.

In addition, four others will receive special recognition.

Dennis Murphy, who helped to start the American Basketball Assn. and the World Hockey Assn., will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Donald Kennedy, chairperson of the board of First American Financial Corporation, its principal subsidiary First American Title Insurance, and captain of the 1939 Stanford golf team, receives the Distinguished Citizen Award.

Ashley Bethel, who set a national record for 13- and 14-year-olds last July in the pentathlon despite losing a right eye after being struck by an errant golf ball, is the Courage Award winner.

Frank Bryant, lifetime Rams’ booster who helped bring the Disneyland Pigskin Classic to Anaheim, will receive the Good Guy Award.