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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

ALEJANDRO PEÑA


Baseball Pitcher
Atlanta Braves
Los Angeles Dodgers
World Series Game Winner
1988

Alejandro Pefia, star relief pitcher of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and New York Mets
began his baseball career in the sandlots of his native Cambino, Dominican Republic. His 90 m.p.h.
fast ball made him one of the most dominant right handers in the national league.
In 1984, Pefia went 12-4 with 4 shut-out for the Los Angeles Dodgers and led the National League
in ERA. Years later, the Dodgers promoted him as a relief pitcher where he became the team's, most
consistent if not most effective closer.
He appeared in three play-off series with the Dodgers compiling a 2.51 post-season ERA and
pitched five scoreless inning in the 1988 World Series. Kirk Gibson delivered the winning homerun
against the Oakland A's making Pefia the winning pitcher in one of the most dramatic games in a fall
classic.
Pefia 's mastery of opposing hitters help the Atlanta Braves reach the National League play-offs
in 1991 as he was 11 for 11 in save opportunities. He also had 3 saves against the Pittsburgh Pirates
making Bobby Bonilla and Barry Bonds look like amateurs.
In 1994, Pefia did something unusual in the "Me First" ERA of Professional Sports. Alejandro
gave back a half-million dollars to the ball club that had signed him for $1.35 million guaranteed
contract. That spring, Pefia reported to the Pirates camp with a sore arm that required season ending
elbow surgery less than a month into spring training. General Manager, Ted Simmons, who had
signed Pefia without a physical exam, had lost his potential relief pitcher and it appeared a lot of
money.
Pefia could have taken the money and run off to another team that season with his million plus
bucks in his pocket. But he felt guilty for Simmons. He instructed his agent, Tom Reich, to return
$500,000 in guaranteed money and add an extra year to the contract with a base salary of $175,000.
"I couldn't live with myself' Pefia said, "I didn ' t feel right taking money and not doing anything
for the team . Peiia made $675,000 for not throwing a pitch in 1993.
Agent Tom Reich never had a player renegotiate so much money away. The Pirates never had a player return so much money back. "He didn't have to do that," said general manager Ted Simmons, "It's rare that a player with a
guaranteed contract would willingly renegotiate a contract. It says a lot about Alejandro."
Pefia spent nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and 6 with the Atlanta Braves (World Series); Pittsburgh Pirates, New York
Mets and Florida Marlins. His career totals in 15 years in the majors were 56 wins 52 losses with a 311 ERA in 503 games . He was selected
"Rolaids" relief pitcher of the month for saving 8 games for the Atlanta Braves in 1991.