SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Earthquakes legend Chris Wondolowski has been named a member to the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023, along with Patrick Marleau, Lorrie Fair and Dave Stieb. Wondolowski finished his 17-year MLS career in 2021 as the all-time leading goal scorer in Major League Soccer history (171 goals) and the Earthquakes leader in nearly all statistical categories.
“I am honored to be inducted into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame alongside such a great group of athletes,” said Wondolowski. “I spent my childhood attending Clash and Earthquakes games and most of my career playing in San Jose, so I am thrilled to be a part of this Hall of Fame in my hometown. I would also like to congratulate Patrick Marleau, Lorrie Fair and Dave Stieb on their selections as well.”
The De La Salle High School star was a 2005 draft pick of the Quakes where he went to become the all-time leading goal scorer in MLS history. The two-time MLS Cup Champion earned the MLS Most Valuable Player award in 2012 and three consecutive MLS Best XI awards, along with two MLS scoring titles.
Wondolowski rewrote the MLS record books during his illustrious career. He finished with a record 171 regular season goals, and also holds the MLS records for game-winning goals (46), goals for one club (167) and goals in 1-0 victories (14), while ranking second in multi-goal games (25) and hat-tricks (5). He played in 413 career MLS games. He leads the Quakes in goals (167), games played (376), games started (313), shots (966), shots on goal (424), game-winning goals (46), multi-goal games (25), and hat tricks (5).
Wondolowski was named the Earthquakes’ team MVP or Offensive Player of the Year in seven of his last 12 seasons, finishing as the club’s leading scorer every year but 2018 and 2021.
For his career, he won two MLS Cups (2006 and 2007 with Houston Dynamo FC) and two Supporters’ Shields (2005 and 2012 with San Jose). He had a career season in 2012, tying the MLS record with 27 goals and earning the MLS MVP award, while leading San Jose to its best regular season in club history.
Internationally, Wondolowski made 35 appearances and scored 11 goals for the United States. He became the first Native America to play for the U.S. at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, appearing in two matches in Brazil. He also represented the U.S. at three CONCACAF Gold Cups, helping the U.S. win the tournament in 2013 while earning the Golden Boo.
Three former Earthquakes are currently in the Hall of Fame, Paul Child, Mani Hernandez and John Doyle.
The San Jose Sports Authority will mark the 28th year of the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame honoring South Bay sports legends when it inducts four new members in November at the SAP Center at San Jose. The inductees hail from the upper echelon of collegiate, professional, Olympic and international competitions. Although from different sports in different eras, they have made a lasting impact both on and off the field of play.
The other San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inductees are:
Lorrie Fair (Soccer): Starred at Los Altos High School and then led the University of North Carolina to three NCAA titles while earning the Honda Sports Award for women’s soccer. Fair earned 120 caps with the USA Women’s National Team winning the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup and an Olympic Silver Medal.
Patrick Marleau (Hockey): The 2nd overall selection in the 1997 NHL Draft went on to become one of the most prolific players in the history of the San Jose Sharks and the NHL. Marleau set an NHL record with 1,779 regular season games played, holds nearly every significant San Jose Sharks scoring record and became the first San Jose Sharks player to have his jersey retired. His impact on the international game includes two Olympic Gold Medals representing Team Canada.
Dave Stieb (Baseball): From Oak Grove High School and San Jose City College, Stieb went on to become one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball. He won the second-most games of any pitcher in the 1980s, was a seven-time All-Star, and helped transform the Toronto Blue Jays from their expansion years to world champions.
“San Jose’s incredibly rich and diverse sports history makes the Hall of Fame selection process very difficult each year,” said Charlie Faas, Chairman of the San Jose Sports Authority Board of Directors. “The Class of 2023 is a wonderful representation of the deep and meaningful impact athletes and coaches with South Bay connections have made in their respective sports, locally, nationally and internationally. We are excited to welcome these four remarkable individuals into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame.”
Each inductee will be recognized with a bronze plaque permanently installed on the concourse at the SAP Center at San Jose. Including the 2023 inductees, there will be 121 South Bay sports icons enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The annual induction is an event of the San Jose Sports Authority, San Jose Arena Authority, SAP Center Management/San Jose Sharks, and the City of San Jose. The event benefits Special Olympics Northern California and high school sports programs.
Executive Director John Poch of the San Jose Sports Authority states, “The San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 represents all that we value, including integrity, work ethic, sportsmanship, and excellence. Individually and collectively, their accomplishments, both in the Bay Area and across the world of sport, are the stuff of legend. We look forward to honoring their legacies in November at our Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the SAP Center in San Jose.”
The November date will be announced once the NHL schedule is announced. The event kicks off with a reception followed by dinner and induction ceremony. Individual tickets begin at $300 each; sponsorship and table packages are available starting at $3,000. For information and to purchase event tickets call (408) 390-7802.
