Fall League Hall of Fame adds three

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Fall League announces the election of three new members to its Hall of Fame -- Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, former Major League outfielder/first baseman Darin Erstad and Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin.

"Our three 2013 honorees increase the Fall League Hall of Fame to 34 members," director Steve Cobb said. "Besides their outstanding career statistics, Dustin Pedroia and Darin Erstad epitomize the well-rounded way baseball is meant to be played -- offensively, defensively and competitively. Bob Melvin's managerial track record that now includes a remarkable turnaround in Oakland is exemplary."

Dustin Pedroia (2004 Scottsdale Scorpions) -- The feisty Red Sox catalyst joins Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols as the only members of the AFL Hall of Fame who also own MLB MVP and Rookie of the Year awards. Pedroia, who was selected to appear in his fourth All-Star Game, also boasts one Silver Slugger (2008) and two Gold Glove (2008, '11) awards. A .300 career hitter, the former Arizona State standout has appeared in 29 postseason games. He was a key contributor to Boston's 2007 World Series championship, his Rookie of the Year campaign. Pedroia also has stolen 20 or more bases four times.

Darin Erstad (1995 Tempe Rafters) -- The current head baseball coach at his alma mater, the University of Nebraska, Erstad enjoyed a 14-year Major League career with the Angels, White Sox and Astros. He remains the only player in MLB history to win Gold Gloves as an infielder and outfielder and the first to win the award at three different primary positions (left field, center field and first base). In 2000 as an Angel, Erstad became the first player in Major League history to record 100 RBIs as a leadoff hitter while leading the American League in hits (240), multi-hit games (77), runs scored (121), at-bats (676) and plate appearances (747). Additionally, he held the AL record for consecutive errorless chances (723) by an outfielder.

Bob Melvin (Manager, 1999 Maryvale Saguaros) -- The third-year Oakland manager, who also skippered the Arizona Diamondbacks (2005-09) and Seattle Mariners (2003-04), is the first former AFL skipper to win Manager of the Year awards in the AL and National League. Melvin is the 14th manager in Major League history to be named Manager of the Year at least twice and the sixth to achieve the honor in both leagues. In 2012, his first full season at the A's helm, Melvin guided them to the AL West Division title, becoming the fifth team to win a pennant or division after trailing by 13 or more games. He also remains the winningest manager in D-backs' history with 304 victories. His 2006 D-backs won the NL West title en route to Melvin's NL Manager of the Year accolade.

The Arizona Fall League, founded in 1992, formed its Hall of Fame in 2001 to honor the top Major League players and managers who honed their skills in the AFL. The selection committee, chaired by baseball ambassador Roland Hemond, the "Architect of the Arizona Fall League," bases its appointments upon individual achievement at the Major League level since participating in the Arizona Fall League.