Ernest W. “Joe” Divis
Inducted in 2002
Hall of Fame Father/Son duo honoree
Played American Legion and Semi-Pro baseball in Nebraska and South Dakota
Played college baseball at Creighton University
Averaged 16 wins and 12 strikeouts per game
Named All Star each year
Scouted by New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox organizations
Chose to sign with Red Sox but was called to duty by US Army before he could fulfill his contract
Stationed at Ft Bliss in 1956 and played for the El Paso Merchants for two seasons and averaged 18 wins and 10 strikeouts per game
Named All Star both seasons
In 1959, he took command of the Missile Battery in Chicago Illinois
For 3 years he played in the Chicago area Semi-Pro leagues and pitched for the Blue Island team where he averaged 16 wins and 10 strikeouts per game
He was honored with All Star designations each of those three seasons
Returned to Ft. Bliss in 1970 and joined the Montelongo baseball team in the El Paso “Old Timers Baseball League”
During this 3 year period, Montelongo won the league championship each year and he averaged 15 wins and 8 strikeouts per game and earned All Star honors each year
He once again returned to Ft. Bliss in 1975 and reunited with Montelongo Cleaners pitching and averaging 15 wins and 10 strikeouts per game and again earning All Star honors each season
Retired from the Army and baseball in 1978
In 1979, he was elected Eastside Alderman and continued to support baseball through his efforts to improve Dudley Field
Before leaving office he recommended and was instrumental in the building of Cohen Stadium
He calls this one of the most satisfying accomplishments of his career
Member Inaugural El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Board of Directors
Served as El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Treasurer
Member El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Board of Directors
