Margarito Banales Jr.
Inducted in 2005
Lettered two years playing baseball under Coach Nemo Herrera at Bowie High School
In 1959, his Bears won the District Championship
Played with Nolan Richardson, Juan “Magua” Gomez, Lefty Bobby and Willie Rodriguez at Bowie
Began umpiring baseball in 1967
Started umpiring Little League to Stan Musial throughout El Paso
Officiated High School regular season, High School Bi-District and Area Playoffs up to the 2000 season
Umpired NJCAA for El Paso Community College in their first year of play in 1996
College official for New Mexico State, Texas Western and UTEP baseball
Also umpired Semi-Pro levels throughout the Southwest
Umpired with El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Umpires including: Sam Sambrano, David Yturralde, Manny Lopez, Perry Huddleston, Cerjio Martinez, John Scanlon, Yvan Rechy, Shawn Lehigh and Gilbert De La Rosa
He also umpired softball for 34 years and was chosen to umpire in their World Championships
He called baseball games for 16 Area High School Coaches who have been inducted in the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame
Among the most highly decorated and accomplished umpires ever in El Paso sports circles
Inducted into El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000
Inducted in the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame in 2005
Inducted in the El Paso Softball Hall of Fame in 1989
Activated by United States Army for Operation Desert Storm-Desert Shield in 1990-1991
Accomplished Math educator who co-hosts a tutoring show on Television to help local students
Served as Officer and President of the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame
Member El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Board of Directors
