El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame: a 501(c)(3) “Non-Profit Tax Exempt Public Charity”
Bufe C. Morrison championed the idea of the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988. The stated purpose of the organization is “to honor individuals for outstanding performance over a substantial period of time in the sport of baseball in the El Paso Area. A reward for dedication, service or playing ability.”
The mission of the organization is found in its commitment to honoring and fostering a love for the game of baseball and the people who make it great in El Paso.
Bufe C. Morrison served as the first President with Victor Fayant serving as Vice President and Leo Forti as Secretary. Inaugural Board Members Mike Barrueta and Bufe C. Morrison continue their service to our organization.
Andy Cohen is designated as the first person to be inducted. The “Original Class” of inductees also included Syd Cohen, Joe C. Hague, William C. “Nemo” Herrera, Jim Paul, Leo Forti, Gonzalo “Chalo” Garcia, Alberto “Beto” Mendez, Jim Ochoa and Bob Ingram.
Bufe Morrison – President (1988)
Victor Fayant – President (1989)
Leo Forti – President (1990)
Ray Sanchez – President (1991)
Jackie Harris – President (1992)
Ruben Torres – President (1993)
D. Joe Williams – President (1994, 2000 and 2001)
Bob Arnold – President (1995 and 1996)
Margarito Banales – President (1997, 1998, 1999, 2004 and 2005)
Marvin Nicchio – President (2002 and 2003)
Steve Enders – President (2006 and 2007)
Mike Barrueta – President (2008 and 2009)
Robert “Bob” Osborne – President (2010 and 2011)
Fernado Grado – President (2014)
Tommy Carrillo – President (2015 and 2016)
Leo Caraveo – President (2017, 2018 and 2019)
Bob Aguirre – President (2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023)
Larry Hernandez – President (2012, 2013 and 2024)
WE REMAIN #EL PASO STRONG – OUR EPBHOF FAMILY WISHES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ABUNDANT BLESSINGS AND GREAT HEALTH – EPBHOF Class of 2017 Honoree Jesse Muñoz Earns Head Coaching Win #500 – Details Below . . . EPBHOF High School Players of the Year 2018 Adrian Torres & 2022 Armani Raygoza Lead UTRGV to First Win Over Texas Longhorns Since 1971 – Details Below . . . Charles “Chuck” Heist, Fernando Rodriguez, Hector R. Bernal Jr. and Omar Quintanilla Receive the Call to the Hall – EPBHOF Announces Class of 2024 with Media Links Below . . . Hit “Pictures” Tab on Home Page To View Celebration 2023 Memories – Details Below . . . EPBHOF Celebrates Year 37 . . . Trivia Answer Below . . . EPBHOF Showcase Room Set Up @ D-Bat West . . . EPBHOF Web Site Celebrates 12 Years & The Late Great Harry Caray would say “Holy Cow” our site has over 2.690 Million Views
“From a Silver Past to a Golden Future – – We honor Excellence”
A special “thank you” to El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Past President and Class of 1990 Honoree Coach Bob Osborne for our slogan. Posted May 7, 2012
The Late Great Ray Sanchez recognized the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame in his article for El Paso INC by stating the following: “One of the most popular and well-planned Halls of Fame in El Paso is the one for baseball. I mean, the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame is so well organized it plans ahead, has a spectacular website and offers plenty of press releases”. Posted June 23, 2019
El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Honoree Jesse Muñoz earned his 500th Win as a Head Baseball Coach when his Americas Trailblazers defeated El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame 2018 High School of the Year Ruben Muñoz and his Eastwood Troopers 11-2 Tuesday April 16. The game played at Eastwood High School had first place implications in District 1-6A. Americas remains in first place. Jesse Muñoz has earned El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame High School Coach of the Year honors in 2010, 2016 and 2023 and El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame High School Co-Player of the Year in 1990. Posted April 16, 2024
El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame 2018 High School Player of the Year Adrian Torres and 2022 High School Player of the Year Armani Raygoza led University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to a 17-9 win over the Texas Longhorns at Disch-Falk in Austin. This is the first win for UTRGV over Texas since 1971 and their first win over Texas in Austin since 1968. Torres batted second in the order and went 1X4, with a Run scored, 2 RBI and a walk. Raygoza batted fifth in the order and went 1X6, scoring 2 Runs, a RBI and a walk. Torres and Raygoza both played for El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Honoree Jesse Muñoz at Americas High School. Posted April 16, 2024
El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2024: All four were high school standouts (Charles “Chuck” Heist – Eastwood, Fernando Rodriguez – Franklin, Hector R. Bernal Jr. – Hanks, Omar Quintanilla – Socorro), three played collegiately in El Paso the other at the University of Texas, all four played professional baseball and two played in the Major Leagues. This class was elected February 7, 2024. Class of 2024 will be formally inducted Sunday afternoon August 18, 2024 at the Wyndham Hotel. Banquet Tickets are $35 each for everyone entering the Banquet Hall – Ticket Information Class of 1999 Honoree and President Larry Hernandez 915.494.7710 or PapaBandit7@AOL.com Posted March 6, 2024
El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Past President and Class of 2005 Honoree Bob Aguirre reminds us that now is the time for “Lavoro di squadra.” Posted March 22, 2024
Andres Acosta with El Paso Sports recognizes our Class of 2024 in his latest online edition. Please copy and paste the link to read: https://epsportsnetwork.com/2024/03/06/quintanilla-rodriguez-heist-and-bernal-jr-el-paso-baseball-hall-of-fame-class-of-2024/ Posted March 6, 2024
Felix F. Chavez with the El Paso Times posted recognition for our Class of 2024 in his March 6, 2024 online edition. Please copy and paste the link to read: https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/sports/baseball/2024/03/06/omar-quintanilla-among-four-heading-into-into-el-paso-baseball-hall-of-fame/72871712007/ Posted March 6, 2024
Thank you to Channel 4 & Channel 14 Sports Director James King, Channel 7 Sports Director Adrian Ochoa, Channel 9 Sports Director Colin Dever, EP Sports Network Director Andres “Ace” Acosta, El Paso Times Sports Director Felix Chavez and KROD AM Radio Sports Talk Co-Host Adrian Broaddus who interviewed on air Class of 1999 Honoree Chris Forbes Friday March 8 in highlighting our Class of 2024 for the benefit afforded their families to visually experience their loved ones accomplishment. We appreciate their professionalism and expedited response to our Press Release issued early in the morning of March 6 and viewed that afternoon. It is refreshing and we are grateful. Posted March 6, 2024
Click on the Fred Loya Insurance logo to go directly to their website and find out about discounts and plans they offer. Please hit the “Pictures” tab on our Home Page to view photos of our 2023 El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame celebration. Thank you to Fred Loya Insurance Group, Adora Martinez and her team including her photographer Chris for creating a photo memory of our sold out events and celebrations. Pictures are from the Meet and Greet, First Pitch and Banquet events. Thank you to our Web Master Josh Rodgers for uploading the pictures to enhance the nostalgia of our organization. Posted December 8, 2023
El Paso Baseball Hall Of Fame April Birthdays: Media Coordinator and Class of 2008 Honoree Tom “Joe Fan” Ciaburri celebrated Sunday April 7. Class of 2022 Honoree Lou Romano celebrates Monday April 15. Posted April 1, 2024
We wish you a Blessed, Happy, Safe, Great and Healthy Friday April 19, 2024 as we continue our El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Roll Call: El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Past President and Class of 1990 Honoree Robert “Bob” Osborne the All District third baseman for Ysleta High School, coached Burges High School to multiple District, Bi-District, Area, Regional championships and led the Mustangs to a spot in the 1983 Texas High School Final 4 State semi-finals, he has been inducted into 3 different Halls of Fame including the Texas High School Baseball Hall of Fame
Trivia Answer For Friday April 19, 2024: Class of 2005 Honoree Gabriel “Gabe” Hernandez Sr. who played Semi-Pro baseball for over 50 years starting in 1929 and he coached teams with players who would later win the Texas State Championship for Bowie High School in 1949
The El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame will hold our fifth 2024 Board of Directors Meeting at 4:47 PM MST Wednesday May 8, 2024 in the Boardroom of the Fred Loya Insurance Corporate Headquarters (intersection of Trawood and Lee Trevino). Attendees please remember to review and bring your Hall of Fame packets to the meeting. May 8 meeting will update Class of 2024 Inductees progress, events progress and begin discussion on Annual Award winners, please be prepared to discuss. Please assist President and Class of 1999 Honoree Larry Hernandez in planning personalized handouts and adequate resources by notifying him of your intent to attend at: PapaBandit7@AOL.com or 915.494.7710. Posted for April 19, 2024
El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1997 Honoree Mike Williams was chosen as part of the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Wednesday April 3. Posted April 3, 2024
Click on the D-Bat logo to go directly to their website and find out about all the opportunities provided for baseball training. D-Bat of West El Paso became the Home for the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame when it donated a dedicated area to celebrate our organization and history. The El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Showcase Room is now set up and available for view at the D-Bat West facility. Thank you to Bob and Sue Aguirre, Raul Real Y Vasquez, Mike Barrueta, Mrs. Naomi Leyva on behalf of Mr. Frank Leyva and his family, Cary Hamilton, Coach Andy Powers, Mr. Bill Powers and the Staff at D-Bat West. The D-Bat sign has an El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame tag attached. Please click here to read the story written by Maria Cortes Gonzalez in the El Paso Times.
El Paso Community College Tejanos have named their Baseball Field Eisenga Field. This is in honor and recognition of El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Silver Anniversary Class of 2012 Honoree and Board Officer Dana Eisenga. The field sign was posted Saturday February 10, 2024. Posted February 11, 2024
Memorial Park Field has been renamed in honor of El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1992 Honoree Armando “Sam” Sambrano. To view the story written by Trish Long in the online edition of the El Paso Times on Saturday October 21, 2023 copy and paste the following: https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/history/2023/10/21/softball-field-renaming-honors-war-hero-umpire-armando-sambrano/71240155007/
El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Board of Director and Class of 1999 Honoree Chris Forbes is the subject of an El Paso Times story written by Mark Lambie on May 14, 2020. Forbes reflects on the building of the current Chris Forbes Field which will be upgraded along with the rest of Socorro High School. The memories building the old field and the championships won including the 2009 Class 5A State Championship will be cherished on the new turf field. The new field will retain the name Chris Forbes Field and the current site. Please click here to read the story. Posted May 14, 2020
El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Son/Father Duo Member and Class of 2013 Honoree Frank Castillo received approval for a park to be named in his honor by the El Paso City Council at their meeting on Tuesday January 21, 2020. Nate Ryan with KVIA Channel 7 Sports did a story that aired Tuesday January 21, 2020. Click here to go to the KVIA site and view the story by Nate Ryan Channel 7 Sports. Posted January 21, 2020
The El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame led by President and Class of 1999 Honoree Larry Hernandez was selected to partner with Warner Brothers for a preview screening of the movie “42” about the legendary Jackie Robinson on Wednesday April 10. The City of El Paso declared Wednesday April 10 as “Jackie Robinson 42 Day”. El Paso City and County dignitaries joined a completely sold out screening event. Posted April 10, 2013
Psalm 4:8 tells us that the Lord alone makes us live in safety. Pray for protection over our world, country, state and city from the Coronavirus and its variants. Pray for a cure. Pray for first responders and medical professionals during this time. The El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame encourages everyone to practice safe hygiene habits and help us remove the threat of the current virus. Be vigilant in the care for yourself and your families and friends. We wish you and your family great health. Stay Safe.
Our El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame website was launched in August of 2010. On Friday May 19, 2023 our site recorded view #2.5 Million. On Monday April 19, 2021 our site recorded view #2 Million. On Monday July 8, 2019 we had view # 1.5 Million. We reached view # 1,000,000 on Sunday August 27, 2017. Our web site reached 500,000 views on Saturday February 27, 2016. “Thank You” to our Webmaster Josh Rodgers for uploading our latest pictures and all photos onto our website on a continuous basis since the inception in August 2010 of its launch. Updated for April 19, 2024
Effective Dec. 2, 2013, The El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame has been granted exempt status from the Texas franchise tax and the sales and use tax as 501(c)(3) organization. The exemption does not extend to the hotel occupancy tax. Posted July 2, 2014
The El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame received notice from the Internal Revenue Service that our application has been reviewed and accepted and is now registered as a 501(c)(3) “Non-Profit Tax Exempt Public Charity” in accordance with its Tax Code. All donations to our organization are tax deductible as designated and determined by the IRS tax laws. A special “thank you” to our legal counsel Alan Gluth and our CPA Kirk Patterson for their guidance in our application and its process. Posted June 10, 2014
The El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame wants to continue to include You in our communication. We ask that all of our Hall of Fame inductees send us your name, phone number and email address so that we may update our records. Thank you in advance. Any verifiable additions to “Inductee” bios are also welcome.
MEMBER UPDATE: (Send us your events, your birthdays, anniversaries, your honors, your updates so we can share with our Hall of Famers) through the Contact page.
