El Paso Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

The El Paso Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame will induct 11 new members to the 2013 Class at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the Vista Hills Country Club, 2210 Trawood Dr. This will be the first induction class since 2005 and before that since 1990 as the Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame Committee has worked to re-establish the Hall after a lengthy absence.

Honorees are in the Living Athlete category are Bobby Morales, one of the most outstanding third baseman and hitters in the game of softball. Larry McFarlin, who never batted less than .450 in his decorated 12 year career. Joe Munoz had a 50 year career in the game and was one of the most savvy and smartest pitchers in the circle. Frank Del Toro one of the most feared hitters ever in the game and also inducted into El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame and Juarez Athletic Hall of Fame. Bobby Nunez was a member of the famed 1961-62 El Paso Dautrich – Jacks International Softball Congress World Champions Softball Team.

The Coach/Administrator category has two inductees, Alfred “Timba” Gomez, who has been involved with Softball for over 60 years and still so today serving through the years as a coach, player and tourney organizer. Rick Perez has been an outstanding player over the years while serving as a varsity softball coach at Franklin High School with 208 wins and numerous district championships.

The Posthumous category has Isaac “Chayo” Torres, an outstanding shortstop and manager for many years in and around the El Paso area. Junie “Pops” Gamboa is known as one of the greatest bunters in the game along with an extensive coaching career, especially with girls softball. Ricardo “Richie” Cardenas always found a way to get on base along with being an excellent outfielder. Rodolfo “Cuyo” Garcia played during one of the great eras of softball in the city during the 1960’s and 1970’s along with the Dautrich Realty, International Softball Congress World Champions.

One of the highlights of the evening will be recognizing the El Paso Community College Tejanas first ever Softball Team in 1997 as many of the former players will be in attendance including some coming from Iowa and San Antonio for this historic occasion. Players include Adriana Carbajal, Jennifer Cieslik, Ericka Colon. Yvonne Contreras, Diane Dominguez, Celina Estrada, Claudia Jacques, Roxanne Luna, Yvette Ramos, Annette Rodriguez, Kathy Rodriguez, Yvette Ruiz, Jessica Baca, Tina Caldera, Edna Garcia and Veronica Garcia. Coaches were Cat Heifner and Alfred Miranda and the athletic director was the late Fabiola Rubio.

Honored at the banquet will be players of the year in girls softball with 5A District Miss Softball Erika Harrawood, Franklin High School, 4A District Miss Softball, Kaitlin Fifield, Chapin High School, and Private/3A Miss Softball Kodi Hill, Loretto Academy.  Softball Coaches of the Year are Rick Perez, Franklin High School at the 5A level and Kevin Mills at 4A level. Special thanks to Price’s Creameries for their support of this first-time event.

Ray Sanchez famed El Paso Sportswriter will receive a special award from the Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame Committee for his distinguished over 50 year career in promoting sports for all ages in the city. Deadline for tickets is Wednesday, May 15th and for more