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About The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

In the United States, there are Sports Halls of Fame that honor professional and amateur athletes in football, basketball, track, tennis, baseball and other sports. There are also ethnic halls of fame that recognize outstanding athletes from different groups including Italian, Jewish, Irish and blacks to name a few. But, there was not a single sports hall of fame that would recognize, honor and salute the outstanding accomplishments/achievements and contributions of our Latino/Hispanic Sports Heritage not only from the United States but also those who came to this country from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Central and South America and from the vast talent from the Caribbean Islands. The Latin-American International Sports Hall of Fame/Salon de Ia Fama Latinoamericano del Deporte was organized in Laredo, Texas in 1974. At first it was to celebrate, honor and promote local and regional individuals who had excelled at their particular sport but soon it opened the doors to include National and International Professional Athletes. It also recognizes as Sportsman of the Year individuals who continue to preserve and enhance our Latino culture, values and educational opportunities for our youth and who contribute to the betterment of the City of Laredo and South Texas. There have been since its inception an equal recognition of women athletes inductees. It was important to find role models for our youth and the organizers wanted to include all ages, regardless of sex in their programs. The Latin Hall was also created to promote economic development and stimulate business activity in downtown Laredo when local businesses are contracted to provide services to our inductees, their families and guests who visit Laredo during the annual 3-day welcome reception, media luncheon and induction banquet celebration weekend. Through the years. (1975-2014), and with limited amount of funds the organization has, had the opportunity to help the youth of our community with scholarships and other youth activity fundraisers. Plans are to have a Latin Sports International Hall of Fame Museum (downtown) (soon) which will be a first for the United States and to provide clinics (free of charge) to instruct our youth in different sports.

Mission

The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1975 to recognize individuals with good and proper standing in the community, high morals and values and who have excelled in sports and/or have contributed to the promotion of sports and goodwill in the Latino community.


Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

47th Annual Induction Banquet

Mario Garcia

Call him the "Duke of the Diamond".

When the Laredo Times crowned Mario Garcia the 1974 High School Batting Champion, little did anyone know that the Nixon High School standout would bring home-run glory to the community, leading the Alexander High School Bulldogs Baseball team to 12 winning seasons, culminating in impressive district, regional and state recognition.

For Garcia, it’s a combination of the love of the game, the challenges of coaching and the joys of working with youngsters that drives him. Prior to becoming Alexander’s head baseball coach. Garcia taught at what is now Laredo Community College, the Laredo Job Corps Center and United High School, instilling in his students the same dedication and discipline he teaches on the diamond. While baseball remains his first love, Garcia also served as an assistant football coach at Lamar Middle School, United High School and Alexander High School, before taking on the reins of the Bulldogs’ baseball program in 2008.

Under his leadership, the Bulldogs have become perennial championship contenders, most recently as the 2013 5A State Region IV Quarterfinalists. In 2011 and 2012, the Bulldog Baseball Team earned back to back trips to the 5A State Regional IV Finalist “Elite Eight” division. In 2008, 2009 and 2010, the Bulldogs also made consecutive appearances in the State Playoffs as District Finalists. All told, Garcia holds a record of 257-career baseball wins, as well as multiple designations as Coach of the Year for the All District and All City Teams for six years.

As numerous as the awards, titles and accolades are, Garcia considers his greatest accomplishment to be watching his players succeed on and off the diamond. The championship runs have made the youngsters more focused and dedicated in their post-high school endeavors. While many have found success in the collegiate diamond, others have gone on to graduate from college and prosper in their own right. Whatever path these baseball players may take, they know that home plate bears the name of Mario Garcia.