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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

Toro martinez

 

 

 

 
Luduviko "Toro" Martinez
Basketball
 

Ludivico “Toro” Martinez

BASKETBALL

Born and raised in Laredo, Martinez attributes much of his personal and professional success to his native roots. Raised by hardworking, yet humble parents, they proudly supported his athletic endeavors and encouraged him to ultimately take those talents to the collegiate level. His education began at Bruni Elementary, but it was at the Laredo Boys & Girls Club that he discovered basketball.

He quickly found that he had a passion for the game and it led him to Laredo Martin HS and Tiger basketball. A 4-year letterman from 1971 to 1975, he was a top scorer and defensive standout. Named to several All Tournament team selections, he also received various tournament MVP awards. He was unanimously selected to the 1974 and 1975 All -District teams and was named All State Honorable Mention during his Junior and Senior years.

Martinez finished his high school career as the leading scorer in Laredo Martin HS history at that time. He received an athletic scholarship to play at San Antonio College from 1975-1977 for Coach Ron Culpepper. He continued to McMurry University in 1977 where he was the first Hispanic recruited for the men’s basketball team under NAlA Hall of Fame Coach Hershel Kimbrell. His defensive skills proved to be an integral part of the winning tradition at McMurry with the lndians being back to back TIAA Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament Champions in 1978 and 1979. He was also a member of the Men’s Track Conference Championship team in 1979. In 1980, he graduated from McMurry University with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

His passion for the game of basketball continued throughout 32 years of teaching and coaching at the high school level as a Varsity Assistant and Head Basketball Coach, AAU National Tournament Coach, and Basketball Camp Director. He was and continues to be a strong advocate for promoting and assisting South Texas athletes. His excellent motivational skills have aspired many‘of his students and athletes to reach their full potential via sports and education.

Mr. Martinez also served as Boys & Girls Club Director in Mission. He received numerous awards and recognitions such as the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics Award and the Miradas de Esperanza Foundation Appreciation Award for hosting the 2nd Annual Blind Tennis & Visually Impaired international Friendship Tournament in 2015 with representation from 16 countries. Martinez also received the South Texas All Staff Conference Boys & Girls Club Administrator Awardand was named Texas Regional Director of the Year in 2016.

Martinez is currently retired, but continues his work as advocate and motivator for the youth of South Texas. He and his wife, Nelda, reside in Mission, TX.