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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

 






 

Andy Santos
Basketball

 

Andy Santos

Basketball

 

“Hey Coach” “Judge, Compadre!” You will hear him addressed by many names. Each one with its own unique set of memories and friendships. Despite his many accomplishments, Andy has always remained humble. The boy raised in a simple wooden house, with no central plumbing grew up to appreciate the little things and seize opportunity.

For someone who often says, “You can’t win them all.” In 1956, they sure did! Andres Santos Jr. was born in Laredo, Texas on June 10. 1938 to Andres Sr. and Zenaida Santos. Andy grew up alongside his younger brother, Roberto - “Bob” and sister, Rosario - “Chacha”. Their home resided half a block from what previously was the location of a cemetery and the non-profi t charitable USO. In 1945, the Laredo Boys Club opened its doors. Starting at the age of seven, Andy spent his days interacting with boys from the diff erent barrios of Laredo. If the Boys Club off ered it, Andy tried it. He played basketball, softball, paddleball, boxing, swimming, table tennis, checkers, billiards, arts & crafts, and learned how to utilize the library. It was here, that he would meet his future teammates. The one and only 1956 State Basketball Champs! A mix of sports, education and politics shaped Andy’s career. He began his education at St. Peter’s Catholic School, where he attended grades

2nd thru 8th. The nuns instilled lessons of character and integrity. In 1952, he enrolled at Martin High School where he continued to try his skill at football, baseball and basketball. Andy was named captain in all three sports. He was later recognized as one of the top 100 athletes to emerge from Martin High School. After graduating from Martin High, he enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin on a Basketball scholarship. He remained at UT for two years and then transferred to Texas A & I University in Kingsville. In May of 1961, he completed a Bachelors of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. In September of 1961, Andy began his career as a teacher and coach with the Laredo Independent School District, at his beloved alma mater. In

1972, he pursued a Masters of Science in Supervision from Texas A & I University. For the next 14 years, he worked as an insurance broker for a national company. In 1986, he took his try at politics - running and being

elected to the offi ce of Justice of Peace, Precinct 4 in Webb County. He proudly served the offi ce for fi ve years and then returned to L.I.S.D as a Hearings Offi cer in charge of discipline for the school district until his retirement in June of 2004.