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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

Luis Tiant


Baseball
3-Time American League
All-Star Pitcher
Won 2 World Series Games
Boston Red Sox
1975


During his 19-year major league career, Luis Tiant was one
the most diarismatic players in tfie game of baseball. With his
sinister nickname, MEl Tiante", he was the highwayman of the
mound who robbed opposing batters of their self-respect for
nearly two decades.
Most baseball fans will remember Luis for his Fu Manchu
mustache and his distintive pitching delivery, turning his back to the batter and starting into
the centerfield bleachers just before delivering the ball to the plate.
But, Luis, distinguished himself for other reasons during his career. He won 20 or more
games in a season four times. He was selected to the American League All-Star team three
times and led the league in shut-outs 3 times and in earned run average twice.
He set a major league record by striking out 19 batters in a 10-inning game in 1968 and
he won two games in the 1975 World Series for the Boston Red Sox against the MBig Red
Machine" Cincinnati Reds Pete Rose. Joe Morgan. Johnny Bench and Tony Perez.
In that world series. Tiant started all three games the Sox won, including the famous
sixth game. which many sports fans regard as the greatest world series game in history.
Tiant. who was born in Marianao, Cuba began playing professionally with the Mexico
City Tigers of the Mexican League in 1959. In 1961, the Cleveland Indians signed him to a
contract after he played winter ball in the Puerto Rican League.
His major league accomplishments include:

  • Tied a major league record for most strikeouts. two consecutive games (32). June 29
    and July 3. 1968 .
  • Established major league record for most strike-outs, ten-inning game (19) July 3.
    1968 .
  • Led the American League in shutouts with 9 in 1968 and 7 in 1974 and tied with 5 in
    1966 .
  • He was named the Sporting News American League Comeback Player of the Year in
    1972.

Tiant says his greatest thrill in baseball was his major league debut in July of 1974
when he shut-out Mickey Mantle and the New York Yankees in Yankee Stadium, 3-0.
When his baseball career ended in 1982, he had pitched with six different major league
teams and had won 229 games.