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 EPBHOF FAMILY WISHES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ABUNDANT BLESSINGS, GREAT HEALTH AND POSITIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2025 . . . Our El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Family Prays for a Safe, Healthy and Blessed Easter Sunday for You and Your Family . . . EPBHOF Class of 2025 Induction Celebration August 8, 9 and 10 Sells Out First 2 Events in March . . . Our El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Unveiled: “Ace” Acosta & EP Sports Network does feature and Interviews https://www.youtube.com/live/GDz7YxPsiug – Links Below . . . EP Times Sports Editor Felix Chavez Posts story on Class; Class of 1999 Honoree Chris Forbes does Sports Talk Radio Interview; Steve Kaplowitz Gives Shout Out on KLAQ Radio – Details Below . . . 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 2.975 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
With the support of media, our El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 began an unveiling Tuesday February 25. El Paso Times Sports Editor Felix Chavez, Sports Talk Host Steve Kaplowitz and right hand man Adrian Broaddus and El Paso Sports Network Digital Andres “Ace” Acosta have acknowledged and responded to our Press Release. Class of 1999 Honoree Chris Forbes was a guest Tuesday February 25 on KROD Radio 600 Sports Talk during their 6 PM hour. Sports Talk Host Steve Kaplowitz spoke about our 2025 Class Wednesday morning February 26 on KLAQ Radio. El Paso Times Editor Felix Chavez ran a story on our Class of 2025 on Monday March 3 copy and paste to read https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/sports/baseball/2025/03/03/el-paso-baseball-hall-of-fame-announces-2025-class/81105139007/ Check out “Ace” Acosta and the El Paso Sports Network for their feature of our Class and a interview with Class of 2025 Inductee Jesse Estrada and El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1999 Honoree Chris Forbes Monday March 10 https://www.youtube.com/live/GDz7YxPsiug?si=QlprkaR4TFav-WHK Updated March 10, 2025
Our Induction ceremony will be Sunday August 10 @ Wyndham Hotel Banquet Hall with a Hospitality Hour starting at 1:27 PM and program starting at 2:17 PM. Tickets are $40.00 each and include a Buffet Meal. Call or text President and Class of 1999 Honoree Larry Hernandez for your ticket requests at 915.494.7710. Our events for Friday August 8 and Saturday August 9 are sold out. Posted March 10, 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
Happy Birthday to El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2008 Honoree Thomas “Joe Fan” Ciaburri on Monday April 7. Posted April 1, 2025
Happy Birthday to El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Honoree Lou Romano on Tuesday April 15. Posted April 1, 2025
Thank you to our phenomenal El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame webmaster Josh Rodgers who is undertaking an update of our site integrating Ai technology to refresh items and pictures on the site. We are grateful for his skill set and desire to optimize our site. The site will incur some gaps short term. This process is a massive undertaking and the time required and your patience is appreciated. Posted February 7, 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. suebob5846@gmail.com Posted February 6, 2025
Our seventh 2025 Board Meeting will take place Wednesday May 7, 2025 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 April 20, 2025
Nominations for the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will open Tuesday September 2, 2025. Deadline is before 4:07 PM MST Wednesday January 14, 2026. Posted March 13, 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 Web Master Josh Rodgers for uploading the pictures to enhance the nostalgia of our organization. Posted January 1, 2025
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
El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Roll Call continues on Easter Sunday April 20, 2025: Class of 2013 Honoree Mark Grudzielanek who had a high school career batting average of .449 with a 1.77 ERA for Hanks High School, drafted by New York Mets and Montreal Expos, selected to National League All Star team, earned Gold Glove with Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs 2000-2009 “Team of the Decade” selection and ended a 15-year Major League career with a .289 batting average
El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Trivia Answer for Easter Sunday April 20, 2025: Class of 1999 Honoree Chris Forbes who in 2009 coached the Socorro Bulldogs to El Paso’s first High School Baseball State Championship in 60 years winning the Class 5A title in 2009, named Texas High School State “Coach of the Year” in 2009 and he was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Baseball Hall of Fame
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 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
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 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 20, 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.
