Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum

The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame was founded in the Mission District in San Francisco, California on October 24, 1998, and Incorporated as a 501c3 as a non-profit organization on June 23, 1999 in Sacramento, California by Gabriel "Tito" Avila, Jr. a former Semi-pro, Sandlot, High School, College player and a Vietnam Era Veteran from New York City and San Francisco resident who wanted to honor the greatest Hispanic Baseball position players of all time. The HHBMHOF is International Museum Hall of Fame dedicated to recognizing the contributions made to baseball by Hispanic players. Since its inception, the HHBMHOF has inducted (71) players, coaches, broadcasters, Negro leagues Hispanic players, MLB Scorers, and Pioneer Executives. Founding members include Orlando Cepeda, Orlando Mercado and Tito 23 Fuentes.

The HHBMHOF also honors its (16) Pioneers beginning with Esteban Bellan of the Troy Haymakers a team for which he played for in (1869) of the (American Association 1860-1872) (National Amateur Association 1860-1870) based in Lasingburgh, New York post Major League Baseball from Cuba, Luis Castro of the Philadelphia Athletics from Colombia in (1902). Armando Marsans and Rafael Almeida of the Cincinnati Reds in (1911) from Cuba. Alfredo Cabrera of the St. Louis Cardinals in (1913) from Spain, Mel Almada of the Boston Red Sox in (1933) from Mexico, Alejandro Carrasquel of the Washington Senators in (1939) from Venezuela, Hiram Bithorn of the Chicago Cubs in (1942) from Puerto Rico, Humberto Robinson of the Milwaukee Braves from Panama in (1955), Ossie Virgil of the New York Giants in (1956) from the Dominican Republic, Dennis Martinez of the Baltimore Orioles from Nicaragua in (1976), Gerald Young of the Houston Astros in (1987) from Honduras, and Eloy "Buck" Canel, American Spanish Broadcaster of Major League Baseball and Ford Frick Award Winner (NBHOF) for broadcasting internationally spreading baseball to the radios of Latin America for four decades beginning in the 1940s. He also broadcast for both the New York Mets and New York Yankees from Argentina. Jose Mendez and Esteban Torriente Negro leagues, Alex Pompez Executive Pioneer. Pedro Sierra, Former Major League Pitcher with the Washington Senators and the Minnesota Twins. The last Hispanic player to have signed a contract with the Negro leagues as a baseball player.

In 2007 the HHBMHOF established its Pioneer Award to those players or baseball aficionados who have set the example as true pioneers of the sport. To date (18) Pioneers have received that honor. Felipe Alou, San Francisco Giants on June 23, 2002 at Pacific Bell Park, San Francisco, California, Matty Alou, on June 23, 2002 at Pacific Bell Park, San Francisco, California. Jesus Alou, Houston Astros, on September 23, 2008, Houston, Texas. Juan Berenguer, Minnesota Twins on June 23, 2013 at Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan. Orlando Cepeda, San Francisco Giants on June 23, 2002, San Francisco, California. Dave Garcia, San Diego Padres, Ossie Guillen, Chicago White Sox on June 2, 2006 at US Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois. Rudy Jaramillo, Texas Rangers on September 20, 2008 at Rangers Ball Park at Arlington, Texas. Juan Marichal, San Francisco Giants on June 23, 2002, San Francisco, California. Minnie Minoso, Chicago White Sox on at US Cellular Field, Chicago Iiinois. Chicago White Sox, Jose Pagan, San Francisco Giants on June 23, 2002, San Francisco, California. Luis Polonia, New York Yankees, Newark, New Jersey. Ivan 'Pudge" Rodriguez, Texas Rangers, on August 2, 2012 at Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan. Arturo Santo Domingo, Major League Baseball, Diego Segui, Oakland Athletics on July 6, 2012 at the Bartle Hall Convention Center, Kansas City, Missouri. Pedro Sierra, Negro leagues, Major League Baseball, Valmy Thomas, San Francisco Giants on June 23, 2002, San Francisco, California. Jose Uribe, San Francisco Giants on June 23, 2002, San Francisco, California.

Luis Aparicio was inducted into the HHBMHOF at the 73rd Annual All Star Game Fan Fest at the Moscone East Center, San Francisco, California. On December 27, 2007 Mr. Millito Navarro (101 years old) was inducted into the HHBMHOF at the Pancho Coimbre Museum in Ponce, Puerto Rico. This was the HHBMHOF first induction outside the Continental United States.

The first Award of Merit was awarded on July 10, 1998 to Juan Navarette, Mexican Baseball Hall of Famer at the McAfee Coliseum, Oakland, California. Award of Merit winners Rolando Arojo, Carlos Baerga, Frank Castillo, Coco Crisp, Juan Diaz, Nomar Garciaparra, Rich Garces, Pedro Matinez, Jose Offerman, Manny Ramirez, Freddy Sanchez, Rey Sanchez, Ugueth Urbina. On May 26, 2000 the San Francisco Giants recognize the HHBMHOF. On June 12, 2000 HHBMHOF President Mr. Tito Avila was invited as a guest of Spanish Language Radio Station (Radio WADO 1280 am) at the old Yankee Stadium in the Bronx New York during a New York Yankees home game broadcast. On June 28, 2000 The Oakland Athletics recognized HHBMHOF. On July 16, 2000 the HHBMHOF participated in Aids walk at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. On September 10, 2000 the Oakland City Council presented a city proclamation to the HHBMHOF.

On April 23, 2001 Sammy Sosa donated his Chicago Cubs Home Jersey to the HHBMHOF at AT&T Park, San Francisco, California. On June 20, 2001 Juan Marichal donated his home jersey on Juan Marichal day to the HHBMHOF at AT&T Park, San Francisco, California. On August 15, 2001 the Orlando Cepeda Lifetime achievement award was presented at the Delancey street Restaurant at the Embarcadero to Tony Perez, Marlins Manager of the Florida Marlins. On the same evening at Pacific Bell Park Mr. Rafael Felo Ramirez, Florida Marlins American Spanish Language Broadcaster and Mr. Tony Perez were both inducted into the HHBMHOF. On July 7, 2001 Rod Carew Donated his Minnesota Twins Road Jersey to the HHBMHOF at AT&T Park, San Francisco, California. On August 31, 2001 Andres Galaraga donated his San Francisco Giants Black jersey to the HHBMHOF at AT&T Park, San Francisco, California. On September 21, 2001 the HHBMHOF conducts it first exhibition at the Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland,California.

The initial HHBMHOF inductees were inducted at a banquet on February 23, 2002, at the Grand Hyatt Union Square Hotel, San Francisco, California were Orlando Cepeda, Tito 23 Fuentes and Ted Williams. On April 13, 2002 HHBM HOF President Tito Avila throws out first pitch ever at a Minor League baseball game between the Sacramento Rivercats and the Nashville Sounds at Raley Field, Sacramento, California. On June 23, 2002. The San Francisco Giants held Latin Pioneer Day at AT&T Park,San Francisco. HHBMHOF Founder and President Tito Avila presented the Pioneer Awards to Felipe Alou, Matty Alou, Orlando Cepeda, Tito 23 Fuentes, Jose Pagan, Valmy Thomas and Jose Uribe. On July 23, 2002 Luis Tiant was inducted into the HHBMHOF at Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts. On that evening the Award of Merit was present to the Boston Red Sox Hispanic players. On August 7 thru September 2, 2002 the HHBMHOF exhibited at the California Exposition (Cal Expo) in Sacramento, California the state capitol. On August 11, 2002 Minnie Minoso was inducted into the HHBMHOF at Comisky Park, Chicago, Illinois. On September 13, 2002 Drayton McLane, Jr. Chairman and CEO of the Houston Astros assisted in the induction ceremony of Jose (Cheo) Cruz and Rene Cárdenas American Spanish Language Broadcaster of the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas.

On August 8–10, 2003 HHBMHOF launched their first ever National exhibition tour at Qualcom Stadium, San Diego, California as part of the "Fiesta Los Compadres" annual celebration. On August 23, 2003 the HHBMHOF Inducted Jaime Jarrin, Manny Mota and Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California. On September 9, 2003 Edgar Martinez was inducted into the HHBMHOF at Safeco Field, Seattle Washington and on that evening Edgar Martinez hit a Home Run and donated his bat to the HHBMHOF. On April 30, 2004 Tony Taylor of the Philadelphia Phillies was inducted into the HHBMHOF at the Delancey Street Restaurant, San Francisco, California. On May 22, 2004 Alfredo Griffin and Orlando Mercado of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were inducted into the HHBMHOF at Angels Park, Anaheim, California. On September 25, 2004 Amaury PI-Gonzalez, American Spanish Language Broadcaster (Bay Area) for the San Francisco Giants was inducted into the HHBMHOF at AT&T Park, San Francisco, California as an Oakland Athletics HHBMHOF Hall of Famer trailblazer in Major League Baseball and in the United States.

On May 21, 2005 The HHBMHOF was invited to participate at the Juan Marichal Statue unveiling at King Street, San Francisco, California. In 2005, the World Series-winning manager, then of the Chicago White Sox, Ozzie Guillén, was honored at US Cellular Field, Chicago with the HHBMHOF Pioneer Award for being the first Hispanic foreign-born to win the World Series that year, against the Houston Astros in (4) straight games. The Latino Legends Team was an All-time All-star baseball team selected in 2005 to honor the history of Latin American players in Major League Baseball. On August 5, 2005 Sandy Alomar, Sr., and Billy Berroa, American Spanish Language Broadcaster was inducted into the HHBMHOF at Shea Stadium, Flushing, New York. On that Evening Omar Minaya New York Mets, General Manager was presented the Executive of the Year award. On September 5, 2005 the HHBMHOF participates in its first Fiesta Gigantes Celebration at SBC Park San Francisco, California.

On August 30, 2006 Bert Campaneris was inducted into the HHBMHOF at the McAfee Coliseum, Oakland, California. On April 10, 2006 Al Lopez was inducted into the HHBMHOF at Tropicana Field, Tampa, Florida. On April 11, 2007 Tony Larussa, Manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, was inducted into the HHBMHOF at AT&T Park, San Francisco, California. In April 2007, the HHBMHOF was given a Citation by the New York State Senate in Albany, New York. On Saturday, June 23, 2007, former Giant Omar Vizquel, former Giant Matty Alou, and former New York Yankee Héctor López were inducted into the HHBMHOF during the second game of the inter-league series at a home-plate ceremony at AT&T Park, San Francisco, California before a crowd of 43,000 fans. On that Evening the HHBMHOF attended a reunion dinner of the (1962) New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants at the Joe DiMaggio Restaurant located at North Beach, San Francisco, California. The HHBMHOF was invited to showcase the "Latino Legends" team and their memorabilia at the MLB 78th Annual 2007 All-Star Game Fan Fest on July 6, 2007 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. On July 9, 2007 Luis Aparicio of the Chicago White Sox was inducted into the HHBMHOF at the Moscone Center, San Francisco, California. HHBMHOF Recognition award New York State Citation, June 8, 2007 HHBMHOF Recognition by US. House of Representatives, June 8, 2007 Recognition by New York State Senate, June 8, 2007 Recognition Proclamation City of New York, June 8, 2007 Recognition by the New York City Council.

On July 11, 2008 the HHBMHOF exhibited at the MLB 79th Annual 2008 All-Star Game Fan Fest located at the Javits Center in New York City, the Museum Hall of Fame was again invited by Major League Baseball to showcase their memorabilia along with the Chevy "Latino Legends" team. On August 30, 2008 HHBMHOF and the Arizona Diamondbacks honor Orlando Cepeda with a recognition Day at Chase Field followed by an exhibition. On September 6, 2008 HHBMHOF was present as guests of the San Francisco Giants at the unveiling of the Orlando Cepeda San Francisco Giants Statue at AT&T Park San Francisco, California in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco. On August 28, 2008 the Arizona Diamondbacks honored Orlando Cepeda with a recognition award at Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona. On September 19, 2008 HHBMHOF presented the Pioneer award to Mr. Rudy Jaramillo batting coach of the Texas Rangers followed by an exhibition at the Ball Park at Arlington, Texas. On September 13, 2008 HHBMHOF inducts Alex Fernandez to its Hall of Fame at Dolphin Stadium, Miami, Florida. On September 23, 2008 HHBMHOF presented the Pioneer award to Jesus Alou, Houston Astros followed by an exhibition at Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas. The HHBMHOF partnered with Johnny Walker and Eventus Marketing Services to showcase exhibitions in Chicago,Phoenix, Miami, Arlington, and Houston during the last couple of months of the 2008 baseball season.

June 13, 2009 HHBMHOF presents the first Annual Jose Uribe Sportsmanship award to San Francisco Giants Catcher Benji Molina. On June 13, 2009 HHBMHOF presented the Pioneer award to Mr. Dave Garcia, San Diego Padres at Petco Park, San Diego, California. On July 7, 2009 the HHBM HOF exhibits at the MLB 80th Annual All Star Game Fan Fest located at the America's Convention Center, St. Louis, Missouri. On September 27, 2009 the HHBMHOF exhibited at the opening of the new Lou Gehrig Plaza at 161st Street and River Avenue, Bronx, New York. HHBMHOF Orlando Cepeda was present to help open the Lou Gehrig Plaza and the HHBMHOF Exhibition to the community. On January 21, 2010 the HHBMHOF is endorsed by the New York Yankees. On July 9, 2010 the HHBMHOF exhibits at the MLB 81st Annual All Star Game Fan Fest located at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California.

On July 8, 2011, the HHBNHOF exhibited at the MLB 82nd Annual All-Star Game Fan Fest, located at the Civic Plaza in Phoenix, Arizona. During the Fan Fest, on July 9, 2011, the HHBMHOF inducted Luis Gonzalez as its 47th inductee presented by Mrs. Vera Clemente. The former Arizona Diamondbacks player is now a special assistant to the President of the Arizona Diamondbacks. On July 28, 2011, the HHBMHOF had an exhibition at the New Yankee Stadium honoring the six living Hispanic Hall of Famers: Roberto Alomar, Luis Aparico, Rod Carew, Orlando Cepeda, Juan Marichal, and Tony Pérez at the New York Yankees Museum from July 27, 2011, to the entire 2013 season. On July 6, 2012 the HHBMHOF exhibited at the MLB 83rd Annual All Star Game Fan Fest at the Bartle Hall Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. At the Fanfest, Joe Azcue was inducted into the HHBMHOF as its 55th inductee by Mrs. Vera Clemente. Diego Seguí HHBMHOF was presented with the Pioneer Award by Mrs. Vera Clemente. On August 21, 2011, the Museum Hall of Fame inducted former Texas Rangers star player Rubén Sierra at the Ball Park in Arlington, Texas, as its 48th inductee. Currently, the HHBMHOF provides traveling exhibits to both National Major League baseball parks and Minor League baseball parks as well as a way to honor Hispanic players, coaches, managers, pioneer executives, and umpires.

The HHBMHOF since 2009, has had the honor and privilege to present the Jose Uribe Sportsmanship Award to a San Francisco Giants Hispanic player who best exemplifies the character and sportsmanship of the late Jose Uribe, a former San Francisco Giants shortstop from the Dominican Republic who was a member of the 1989 National League Champion San Francisco Giants who went on to play the Oakland Athletics during the earthquake-stricken 1989 World Series. The award is presented in September at the annual Fiesta Gigantes at AT&T Park, San Francisco, California at the beginning of that evening's game. The first recipient of the award was former Giants catcher Benji Molina in 2009. In 2010, the award was presented to Third Baseman, Pablo Sandoval. In 2011 the award was presented to Center Fielder Andres Torres. In 2012 the award was presented to Relief Pitcher Javier López. In 2013 the award was presented to Center Fielder, Angel Pagan. In 2014 the award was presented to Third Baseman Pablo Sandoval. In 2014 the award was presented to Third Baseman, Pablo Sandoval. In 2015 the award was presented to Gregor Blanco. In 2016 the award was presented to Pitcher, Johnny Cueto. On July 12, 2013 the HHBMHOF exhibited at the MLB 84th Annual All Star Game Fan Fest at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York, N.Y. At the Fan Fest Edgardo Alfonso was inducted into the HHBMHOF by Mrs. Vera Clemente. On July 11, 2014 the HHBMHOF exhibited at the MLB 85th Annual All Star Game Fan Fest at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota. At the Fan Fest Tony Oliva was inducted into the HHBMHOF by Mrs. Vera Clemente and Rod Carew. On July 10, 2015 the HHBMHOF exhibited at the 86th Annual All Star Game Fan Fest Cincinnati Convention Center, Cincinnati Ohio.

On May 14, 2016 Pedro Guerrero, of the Los Angeles Dodgers was inducted at the old Yankee Stadium site now known as Legends Field, Bronx, New York. June 27, 2016 Eduardo Ortega, American Spanish Language Broadcaster for the San Diego Padres was inducted into the HHBMHOF at the New Americans Museum, San Diego, California. On July 8, 2016 the HHBMHOF exhibited at the MLB 87th Annual All Star Game Fan Fest at the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California. At All Star Game Fan Fest Lisa Fernandez with presented the HHBMHOF award of recognition as the first Pioneer Hispanic Women Olympian Champion by Mrs. Vera Clemente and HHBMHOF Tony Oliva. On October 1, 2016 Leo Cárdenas of the Cincinnati Reds was inducted at the Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio. On July 7, 2017 the HHBMHOF will be exhibiting at the 88th Annual MLB ALL Star Game Fan Fest at the Miami Convention Center, Miami, Florida. At the All Star Game Fan Fest Bernie Williams was inducted into the HHBMHOF as its 65th inductee. The HHBMHOF will be announcing the names of the 2017 HHBMHOF inductees in September 2017 by the HHBMHOF Inductions committee. The HHBMHOF will be participating in the 13th Annual KNBR Fiesta Gigantes at the Lefty O'Doul Plaza, San Francisco, California on September 16, 2017. On July 6, 2018 the HHBMHOF will be exhibiting at the 89th Annual MLB All Star Fan Fest at the Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C. At the convention Center on July 7,2018 Mr. Jackie Robinson was Inducted in Memoriam into The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame at the Major League Baseball Annual All Star Game Fan Fest at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center MLB Clubhouse. On August 3, 2017 Luis Cancel becomes CEO of the HHBMHOF. Gabriel Tito Avila, Jr. On December 4, 2018 resumes being the President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame. The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame will be exhibiting at the 90th Annual MLB All Star Game Fan Fest on July 5, 2019 at the Huntington Convention Center, Cleveland, Ohio. The HHBMHOF Inducted Roberto Alomar as its 68th Inductee on July 9, 2019 .

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                           The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame (71) Inductees 1999-2019