Slide Background
Slide Background
Slide Background
Slide Background
Slide Background
previous arrow
previous arrow
next arrow
next arrow

About The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

In the United States, there are Sports Halls of Fame that honor professional and amateur athletes in football, basketball, track, tennis, baseball and other sports. There are also ethnic halls of fame that recognize outstanding athletes from different groups including Italian, Jewish, Irish and blacks to name a few. But, there was not a single sports hall of fame that would recognize, honor and salute the outstanding accomplishments/achievements and contributions of our Latino/Hispanic Sports Heritage not only from the United States but also those who came to this country from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Central and South America and from the vast talent from the Caribbean Islands. The Latin-American International Sports Hall of Fame/Salon de Ia Fama Latinoamericano del Deporte was organized in Laredo, Texas in 1974. At first it was to celebrate, honor and promote local and regional individuals who had excelled at their particular sport but soon it opened the doors to include National and International Professional Athletes. It also recognizes as Sportsman of the Year individuals who continue to preserve and enhance our Latino culture, values and educational opportunities for our youth and who contribute to the betterment of the City of Laredo and South Texas. There have been since its inception an equal recognition of women athletes inductees. It was important to find role models for our youth and the organizers wanted to include all ages, regardless of sex in their programs. The Latin Hall was also created to promote economic development and stimulate business activity in downtown Laredo when local businesses are contracted to provide services to our inductees, their families and guests who visit Laredo during the annual 3-day welcome reception, media luncheon and induction banquet celebration weekend. Through the years. (1975-2014), and with limited amount of funds the organization has, had the opportunity to help the youth of our community with scholarships and other youth activity fundraisers. Plans are to have a Latin Sports International Hall of Fame Museum (downtown) (soon) which will be a first for the United States and to provide clinics (free of charge) to instruct our youth in different sports.

Mission

The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1975 to recognize individuals with good and proper standing in the community, high morals and values and who have excelled in sports and/or have contributed to the promotion of sports and goodwill in the Latino community.


Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

47th Annual Induction Banquet

Lazaro Dovalina

Baseball Pitcher
Laredo Apaches
Semipro/Pro
South Texas
1940's/1950's


Mention the Dovalina name in Laredo, South Texas and Northern Mexico and the first thing that comes to your mind is outstanding baseball players. The baseball Dovalinas' are well respected in these surrounding areas. Lazaro Dovalina began playing baseball at an early age with his brothers, Fernando and Alfredo and other neighborhood kids. An outstanding pitcher and hitter, he led his high school team to district and hi-district baseball titles in his sophomore and junior years in the 1930's. In the Depression years, when a little money from playing baseball would supplement the family's income, Dovalina and his brothers would be found playing in the Rio Grande Valley and several other cities on this side of the border. After being discharged from the U.S. Army in 1946, Lazaro resumed his baseball career with the Laredo Cardinals and later joined the Pharr, Texas Merchants. Dovalina made his mark in 1949 when he signed a contract with the Laredo Apaches Baseball Club as a third baseman. Late in the season, he got to pitch and finished with a 5-2 record, helping the Apaches reach the league play-offs. He retired in 1950.