Bob Elias Hall of Fame Our History It was a cherished dream of popular and longtime local sports broadcaster Bob Elias that Kern County have its own sports shrine to recognize those most outstanding among the great number of fine performers and officials who have graced the Bakersfield and Kern County athletic scene over the years. Unfortunately Bob Elias died in 1965 before the Hall of Fame could be established but in honor of his great contributions to sports in this area and his fervent hopes for the shrine it was named in his honor and dedicated to his memory. That the Hall of Fame has flourished over the years stands as eloquent testimony to the vision of Bob Elias his farsighted passion for this community its future and its enthusiasm for sports. All of this has been made possible of course by the support of the sporting public in Bakersfield and the other communities of Kern County as evidenced by your attendance at the annual installation dinners.