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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

Crystal Bustos


Softball Homerun Slugger
All-America/Player of the Year
NJCAA Palm Beach CC- Florida 1997-98
Team USA Gold Medal
Sydney, Australia 2000

She hits for power, has a rifle arm and is an Olympic Softball Champion. But, trying out and making the U.S. Olympic Team was the last thing in Crystal Bustos' mind when she lived with relatives in Venice, California. Street life was her focus and game. However, this was going to change because the softball diamond would reclaim her from the streets and set her on a path of athletic success and recognition. Since the revelation, the renaissance Crystal has achieved stardom in all levels of Women's amateur and professional softball. She was a twice junior College Champion, All American and NJCAA Player of the Year, while at Palm Beach Community College in Florida. She then turned pro and played for the Akron Racers of the Women's Professional Softball League (WPSL) in 1998, and holds the league's record for Batting Average (.400) and Homeruns (10). However, the timing was right for Crystal to interrupt her pro career after being persuaded by U.S. Olympic coach Ralph Raymond to Join the invitational Team in 1999. She immediately became a starter, replacing Olympian Dot Richardson at shortstop and adding more power to the lineup. Her international accolades are numerous and include the 1999 C.S. Olympic Cup, Pan American Games, Canada Cup Gold Medals and the grand daddy of them all, the Olympic Gold medal in Sydney It was a Cinderella story for the Canyon Country. California born Latina, who found salvation in softball and took the love of the game to its' highest level ever. At shortstop she is wonder and marvel to watch. Pitchers can't pitch around her and watch out if she has to slide into a base. She has come a long way m such a short one and women's softball will never be the same again.