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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

HECTOR RODRIGUEZ


Basketball
Mexican Olympic Team
Montreal - 1976


Born and raised in San Antonio, 6'8" Hector learned his basketball in the City's Recreation Parks.
He began play ing ball at an early age and enrolled at Central Catholic High School, a basketball power
in the state. He was picked twice to the All -State team in the Texas Catholic Interscholastic League
and led Central Catholic to the State finals during his senior year. Hector is considered to be one of
the best basketball players to ever play for an Alamo City High School.
Ye graduated from West Texas State University attending school on a basketball scholarship.
Rodriguez was chosen All -Conference and toured South America with a Missouri Valley Conference
All-Star Team.
After graduating from West Texas, Rodriguez played Semi·pro ball with Aguascalientes. He also
started for the State of Nuevo Leon Quintet and led the team to the Mexican National Championship.
He was the leading scorer and named the National Tournament's Most Valuable Player. The Mexican
Olympic Committee selected him to participate on it's 1976 Olympic team in Montreal, Canada.
Mexico finished in Eighth place. Mexico City's "EI Heraldo" newspaper also picked him as
the country's No. 1 basketball player. He credits Central Catholic Coach J. Cortez as the most
influential person in his career.