Inside The Inland Empire

RC Quakes: "The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes may appear to be a fairly new operation, playing top-notch Minor League ball since 1993, but in actuality, the franchise has been around for over 28 years, since 1966.

After the 1965 Class 'A' California League season, the team operating in Salinas folded, leaving only five teams remaining in the league. The league had operated with eight teams in the past and was therefore determined to get three more teams into play for the 1966 season.

The franchise in Modesto, which had sat out the 1965 season, was reactivated and run by current California League President Joe Gagliardi. Another team, this one from Reno, Nevada was also reactivated but this still left one opening.

It was then that a group of investors from Lodi, California got together $2,500 (pocket change compared to today's costs) and decided to start a new franchise in Lodi to be ready to play in 1966. They were known as the Lodi Crushers, and this essentially became the first 'Quakes' team."

For more about the history of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, see the Official Rancho Cucamonga Quakes History page at www.rcquakes.com.
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