Lionel “Leo” Forti

Inducted in Original Hall of Fame Class of 1988
Involved in baseball for over 60 years starting in the 1930’s
Organized a neighborhood team for teenagers in 1930 at the age of 15
In 1932, he organized the Mex-Tex League for both El Paso and Juarez teams
Highly successful coach whose teams beat the powerful Ft. Bliss Falcons and the Alpine Cowboys in the 1950’s
Teams won 26 championships and 14 runner up finishes
Teams won 1,893 games and only 678 losses
Teams won 7 championships from 1943 to 1953
Played all positions even pitching especially on his birthday every year
Organized and involved in baseball, softball, boxing, basketball and football leagues
A true man of commitment who even bravely played a game on his wedding day
Hacienda Park in Lower Valley renamed “Lionel E. Forti Park” in his honor
Legacy is of a personable and honorable man who touched the lives of many in El Paso through the game of baseball