Armando “Sam” Sambrano

Inducted in 1992
Started playing baseball at the age of 12 in 1933
Played under the Downtown Optimist Club until 1942
Served his country starting in 1942 with the First Infantry Division
Captured by the enemy October 17, 1944 and was a Prisoner of War for six months
Liberated by the Soviet Army
Returned home in April 1945
Started playing softball and baseball in 1946 until 1958
Started Umpiring in 1947 and continued until 1983
Credited with having a calm demeanor and great knowledge of the rules which allowed him to excel under intense competitive situations on the field
Umpired Little League, High School, Texas League, Professional Major League Exhibitions in Texas and New Mexico
Umpired at World Softball Tournament for 12 years
Served as President of the Independent Softball (Fast-pitch) League for 12 years
Served as President of the Industrial Softball League for 8 years
Member of I.S.C. Hall of Fame as an Umpire