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 Member Mike Barrueta continues his 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)
Tom 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, 2024 and 2025)
WE REMAIN #EL PASO STRONG – Our El Paso Baseball Hall Of Fame Family Wishes You And Your Family Abundant Blessings, Great Health And Positive Opportunities . . . Nominations for Class of 2026 Now Open, Deadline Wednesday January 14, 2026 before 4:07 PM MST, Hit the Red Banner in the Picture “Now Accepting Nominations for 2026” to download Form – Details Below . . . Our website now has option to hear Hall of Fame music – Details Below . . . EPBHOF Showcases our Annual Award Winners & Inducts Our Class of 2025 . . . Andres “Ace” Acosta and EP Sports Network/Bea Martinez KVIA Channel 7 Sports/Josh Rodgers/Daniel Concha/Tom “Joe Fan” Ciaburri begin Posting our Celebration 2025 events – (copy and paste) Details Below . . . EPBHOF Web Site Reaches 3 Million Plus Views . . . EPBHOF Celebrates Year 38 . . . Trivia Answer Below . . . EPBHOF Showcase Room Set Up @ D-Bat West . . . EPBHOF Web Site Celebrates 15 Years & The Late Great Harry Caray would say “Holy Cow” our site has over 3.195 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
Our website now offers the opportunity to hear music while visiting the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame website. “Hit” the bar/arrow/toggle for music. If you click the button again, the music will pause. Thank you to our Amazing WebMaster Josh Rodgers for making this possible and continuing to refresh our website. Posted September 2, 2025
Our El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame website touches all the Bases and reaches over 3 Million Views. Posted May 9, 2025
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
Please copy and paste the link below to access the .com website for EP Sports Network. Scroll down to Latest News. Andres “Ace” Acosta provides interviews following our Hall of Heroes event on the playlist. Additional interviews and coverage from our 2025 Banquet will follow. EP Sports Network has been a valued media partner celebrating our El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame. www.epsportsnetwork.com KVIA Channel 7 Sports Anchor Bea Martinez captured our event, click here to watch. Posted August 11, 2025
Thank You to the teamwork put forth and on display by the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Honorees, Inductees and Annual Award Winners during our 3-Day “Celebration 2025”. Our events were all sold out in record time with record numbers attending. Guests from Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Massachusetts, Virginia and from Brownsville, Edinburg, Marfa, Del Rio, Austin and San Antonio Texas Blessed our doorways. Thank you to Rosa Alvarado, Sandra Beard, Eva Bañales, Zoe Rivas and Gaby Hernandez for their vital support in assisting our current El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Honorees in making great memories for all our Guests. Thank you to David Molinar for our photos and Bea Martinez Sports Anchor KVIA TV station Channel 7 and Andres “Ace” Acosta with EP Sports Network for their interviews and streaming views. Thank you to Class of 2008 Honoree Tom “Joe Fan” Ciaburri for coordinating with Daniel Concha to film and forward media of our Inductees throwing out the First Pitch. Posted August 11, 2025
Thank you to all of our El Paso Baseball Honorees who Blessed us with their attendance and fellowship. A touching medal ceremony entry procession was followed by an Invocation and a stirring tribute to our Military Veterans. Bufe C. Morrison Senior Player of the Year Michael O’Hara, Nemo Herrera High School Coach of the Year and Class of 2009 Honoree Juan Orozco, Joe Hague High School Player of the Year Ben Wilson and Syd and Andy Cohen College Player of the Year Armani Raygoza led off with a heartfelt and genuine appreciation for all who have supported them in their baseball journeys. Humorous stories were shared. Our Class of 2025 Ruben Muñoz was presented by his Son Ruben, Danny Carrillo was presented by Class of 2012 Honoree Tom Carrillo, Mark Anthony Scott was presented by his Son Aaron, our Posthumous Inductee Don Plummer Jr. was represented by his Son Donald III and presented by his Sister Amelia Cataldi on behalf of their Mother Lisa Plummer, Matt LaBranche was presented by El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Honoree Lou Romano and Jesus “Jesse” Estrada was presented by El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1999 Honoree Chris Forbes. Our Inductees shared nostalgic moments, great memories and reflections on adversity and the family support that elevated them to highlight accolades. Cheers, tears, laughs and special moments of bonding highlighted their speeches. Our “Closer” El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Fred Loya did what he does best in providing moments of reflection and inspiration. Thank you to all! Our El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame takes it personally to Celebrate the New and Honor our Past. 38 years in existence with 37 Banquets (covid postponed our 2020 event which we held in 2021). Posted August 11, 2025
Our 2025 El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Annual Award Winners were recognized at our El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame/Fred Loya Insurance Group Hall of Heroes private dinner and ceremony. High School Player of the Year Ben Wilson .544 Batting Average, District 1-6A MVP, Texas 1st Team All State – Coronado High School; College Player of the Year Armani Raygoza .393 Batting Average, Southland Conference Player of the Year, 1st Team All Conference, selected for College All American Honors – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley/Americas High School; Class of 2009 Honoree and High School Coach of the Year Juan Orozco led Coronado High School to 1-6A District Championship and Bi-District Championship with 24-10 record and Bufe C. Morrison Senior Player of the Year Michael O’Hara who pitched for a California High School State Championship team and followed in college playing for the Division II National Champions Cal Poly Pomona squad and continues play in the Senior Leagues with the El Paso Toyos. Posted August 8, 2025
Our El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame 2025 Board of Directors Line-Up includes: Armando Femath (Class of 2019), Past President Bob Aguirre (Class of 2005), Nominations Co-Chairman Chris Forbes (Class of 1999), Board Officer and Nominations Co-Chairman Dana Eisenga (Class of 2012), Eloy Alvarado (Class of 2013), Fred Loya (Class of 2021), Hector Bernal Jr. (Class of 2024), Jorge Perez (Class of 2021), President Larry Hernandez (Class of 1999), Past President Margarito Bañales Jr. (Class of 2005), Mike Beltran Sr. (Class of 1991), Ways and Means Chairman Raul Real Y Vasquez (Class of 2006), Past President Tom Carrillo (Class of 2012) and Victor Maldonado (Class of 2016). Type in a Name in the Search Bar to get a more complete narrative for each of our current Inductees. Posted February 6, 2025
Our El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame offers our sincerest gratitude to the Fred Loya Insurance Group, Mr. Fred Loya, Fred Loya and Adora Martinez for sharing their hospitality in allowing us to meet in their building. Posted February 6, 2025
Our El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame is benefitting from guidance, direction, strength and wisdom offered by Past President, Director of Strategic Planning and Class of 2005 Honoree Bob Aguirre. His value and contributions to our Hall of Fame are acknowledged and appreciated. Please collaborate with Bob and share your positive ideas and foundational suggestions to continue to make the effort to elevate our Proud organization and the only Hall of Fame in El Paso singularly dedicated to promoting the game of baseball. Please continue to show that your Pride in our organization and relentless pursuit of excellence will continue to be transformational. Because we have consistently met our Expectations we have embraced them as our Standard. Posted February 6, 2025
Our first 2026 Board Meeting will take place Wednesday January 21, 2026 in the Fred Loya Insurance Group Corporate Headquarters (intersection of Lee Trevino and Trawood) Boardroom. Our meeting will start at 4:47 PM. Attendees please remember to review and bring your Hall of Fame packets and previous materials to the meeting. 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. Updated for Monday October 6, 2025
Nominations for the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 are open as of Tuesday September 2, 2025. Hit the red banner in the picture “now accepting nominations for 2026” to download Form. Submission Deadline is before 4:07 PM MST Wednesday January 14, 2026. A cover sheet is provided with details upon downloading or receiving the Nomination Form. Copies of Nomination received after the deadline will not be accepted. Email copies are non-compliant and will not be accepted. We welcome questions or requests for assistance. For delivery options contact Class of 1999 Honoree Larry Hernandez 915.494.7710 or PapaBandit7@AOL.com If a person is nominated as a player:
- The nominee must have been retired as a player for at least 5 years and attained the age of 35 years old.
- The nominee may still be active if over 40 years of age.
- The nominee should have a record of verifiable outstanding performance.
- The nominee must have played at least 7 years in the El Paso area and time played collegiately or professionally in the United States will count even if outside the El Paso area.
If a person is nominated as a coach, manager, umpire, sponsor, administrator, trainer or media:
- The nominee must have been active in baseball for at least 25 years and must have made a significant contribution of time and talent in promoting the game of baseball in the El Paso area.
- The nominee must have been outstanding in their service to baseball with verifiable documentation to support their candidacy included in their resume.
- First Posted March 13, 2025 – Updated August 12, 2025
Click on the Fred Loya Insurance logo to go directly to their website and find out about discounts and plans they offer. 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 WebMaster Josh Rodgers for uploading the pictures to enhance the nostalgia of our organization. Posted January 1, 2025
El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Roll Call continues on Monday October 6, 2025: Class of 1994 Honoree Juan Gonzales who was a fixture in all youth sports including baseball and was affectionately known as “Mr. Southside”
El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Trivia Answer for Monday October 6, 2025: Class of 2000 Honoree Al Silva the All District player for Jefferson High School, coached winning programs at Jefferson and Bowie High School and he was the Assistant Coach for the Burges Mustangs in their 1983 trip to the Texas High School Final Four State Semi-Finals
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. A new Tejano Scoreboard with the Eisenga name was erected for their game Saturday February 15, 2025. Posted February 11, 2024 Updated February 15, 2025
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 Click here to read the story
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
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 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
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 9, 2025 our site recorded view #3 Million. 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 October 6, 2025
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.
