ELPasoBBHOF 2022-23-24

ELPasoBBHOF 2022-23-24

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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Efrain Lara

Inducted in 2022 Efrain Lara was empowered by the unconditional love his Dad Carlos and Mother Martha provided and started playing baseball at the age of 6 He enjoyed the consistent support and encouragement provided by Brothers Carlos and Gabriel and Sister Cynthia Efrain earned All District and All City honors his Sophomore, Junior and Senior years (1987-1989) at Ysleta High School He earned the MVP selection at the 1989 Senior Showcase Lara quickly gained recognition on the Diamond earning Freshman of the Year Honors at New Mexico State University He was nominated as a Pre-Season All American after his Freshman year Efrain was a 3-Year New Mexico State Team Captain (1991-1993) He was selected Big West Player of the Week twice in 1992 He played in the Valley Collegiate League in 1992 In 1993, Lara earned First Team All Big West Conference honors and was named the NMSU Aggie Baseball MVP His 4-year playing stint at NMSU saw him finish in the top 5 in multiple career hit categories Efrain began a 14 year professional baseball career in Mexico Following his playing days Lara joined the coaching ranks in 2012 with the Las Cruces Vaqueros In 2013 he was the first base Coach for the Independent League El Paso Diablos From 2016 to 2018, he was a professional scout for the Texas Rangers in New Mexico and Texas and a International Scout for the Rieleros Aguascalientes Since 2018, Lara has served as International Area Supervisor Scout in Mexico for the Texas Rangers Efrain’s life journey has continued to be Blessed by his wife Anel and his children Korynna, Monica, Carlos and Adrian.

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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ALEX PENA

Alex Peña was a standout pitcher starting his time playing youth baseball Earned All District Honors at Irvin High School Co-MVP at the 1991 High School Senior Showcase Enjoyed a standout career at New Mexico Junior College where he was a teammate with El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Honoree Armando Almanza and Class of 2021 Honoree Jorge Perez Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1993 Played for the Orioles organization with stops with the Gulf Coast Orioles and the Bluefield West Virginia Orioles where he earned Player of the Year honors in the in Appalachian League with 5-2 record, 0.70 ERA, giving up 3 earned runs in 38 2/3 innings with 33 K’s, 3 saves Opposing batters had a .120 batting average against him His time with the Bluefield Orioles saw him reunite with El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Honoree Rocky Coppinger Earned an invitation to Extended Spring Training with the Baltimore Orioles in 1994 Peña also played in the California League with the High Desert Mavericks, the Visalia Oaks, and with the Frederick Keys Maryland Orioles of the Carolina League During his professional career, Peña pitched with the Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks organizations Alex Peña served as Head Baseball Coach for his alma mater Irvin High School from 2012-2014 and currently serves as Head Baseball Coach for Burges High School where he began his tenure starting in 2015 He has enjoyed the support and encouragement of loving parents his Dad Jesus Jose “Ciro” and his Mother Juana Peña His wife Laura shares his life journey as do his children Carissa, Alexander, Brianna, Nadia, Evan, Sophia and Aliyah.

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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RICK SOLIS

Rick Solis began his youth playing career coached by his Dad Minuto and under the encouraging eye of his mother Carmen Solis earned All District honors as a Shortstop in 1997 and 1998 at Ysleta High School Earned First Team All-Conference Shortstop honors playing for El Paso Community College in 1999 and 2000 Named El Paso Community College Team MVP in 1999 and 2000 Selected to play in the Texas-NM Junior College All Star game in 1999 Solis was a Pre-Season Collegiate Baseball All American in 2000 Selected by the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame as the College Player of the Year in 1999 and 2000 Solis earned All-Conference honors in 2001 and 2002 at Northwestern State University helping lead the school to back to back Conference Championships He was selected to play in the prestigious Cape Cod Summer Collegiate League with the Harwich Mariners in 2001 Solis signed as a Free Agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers and played on the Pioneer League Champion Great Falls team Rick Solis completed his college degree and started coaching in 2006 He was hired as the Head Baseball Coach for Riverside High School in 2017 In 5 seasons, he has led the Rangers to 3 playoff appearances, 2 District Championships and an appearance in the Texas High School Baseball Sweet 16 Round of Playoff in 2021 He earned High School Coach of the Year honors from both the El Paso Times and the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021 Solis was named El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame High School Co-Coach of the Year in 2022 Solis comes from a strong baseball family and has 2 brothers Rene who is the Head Baseball Coach at Ysleta High School and Roberto He is Blessed to share his life journey with his wife Clarissa and children Alyssa, Jaqueline, Charlotte and Ricardo IV

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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KYLE ANSON

Kyle Anson began his playing career with a strong and encouraging supporting cast led by his Mom Candy, Father Steve and Brother Steve (TJ) Earned All City and All District honors in 2000 and 2001 playing for the Socorro High School Bulldogs – he was the District MVP hitting .468, 8 HR, 40 RBI Anson was All Conference, All Region and Team MVP helping lead El Paso Community College to top 10 National Ranking and winning Conference and Regional Tournaments setting a team batting average record of .416 He was the All-Star Game MVP playing in the Northwoods Summer League Anson was All Conference and Team MVP helping lead EPCC to #2 JUCO National ranking winning the Conference Championship and ranked as top Junior College Player by WJCAC setting school record with .456 BA with 56 RBI He was named All Conference leading the conference in doubles at Texas State University in 2004 Anson again gained honors as All Conference leading the conference with .410 BA, .496 OBP at Texas State University in 2005 Kyle was drafted in 10th Round by the New York Yankees His first season in NY Penn League, he was asked to go to Instructional League to switch to playing catcher Anson was an All-Star selection Florida Coast League in 2008 He was invited to Major League camp for Spring Training in 2008 and 2009 and was among the last roster cut in 2008 Anson retired in 2010 to follow his heart into Church Ministry Kyle shares his life journey with his Wife Madison and daughters Bethany and Adalynn.

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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LOU ROMANO

Lou Romano started his career as a Sportscaster in the 1980’s while attending college in Grand Junction Colorado He earned his first opportunity as a student and upon graduation was offered a full time beginning to his professional life journey His time as a sportscaster has seen him return to his birthplace New York City working for the Madison Square Garden Network, NYC Metro Sports Network and News 12 Long Island He also worked for a CBS affiliate in Phoenix Arizona and KVIA and CBS4/KFOX 14 in El Paso Texas Romano has earned honors as El Paso’s Best Sportscaster 11 times including 5 of the past 6 years He was named by the Associated Press as the Best Texas Sportscaster 3 times He earned honors as the Associated Press Best New Mexico Sportscaster 2 times Lou has coached youth baseball 8 years covering 16 seasons including time in the Cloudview League and as an Assistant Coach for Coronado High School Summer League JV and Development teams Romano has used his influence to elevate baseball facilities including a recent project at Cloudview Park where flood damage created unsafe conditions for Players, Parents and fans Over the years, Lou Romano has been the most consistent media partner to El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame events and news coverage including times during the recent pandemic challenged years Romano is a Proud Step-Father to Christian and Ryan

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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RYAN MEDRANO

Inducted in 2023 Ryan Medrano began his baseball journey at age 7 playing in the Eastwood Optimist League. His baseball journey was nurtured by the support from his mom, Martha, and dad, Raul Medrano, who is an El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1990 honoree and played professionally with the Kansas City Athletics. Ryan comes from a prominent baseball family and his love of the game includes guidance from older brothers, Ray and Ruly. Ryan was a three-year letterman at Eastwood High School before going on to play at Brookhaven Community College in Dallas and at New Mexico State. He then graduated from UTEP with a degree in Health Science. Ryan began his professional career in 1998 signing as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds, playing Single-A with the Charleston Alley Cats in the South Atlantic League. In 1999, Medrano played for the Nashua Pride in Nashua, New Hampshire in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 2000, Ryan signed as a free agent with the Seattle Mariners and played for the Double-AA Eastern League Champion New Haven Ravens in New Haven, Connecticut. Following his playing career, Medrano continued to foster a love for the game of baseball as Head Baseball Coach at Hanks High School and Eastwood High School covering a span of 15 consecutive years. He returned in 2024 as Head Coach of Hanks High School and led his team to the 5A Area Round of Playoffs. Ryan also served as an Assistant Coach in Professional Baseball for five seasons from 2006-2010 with the El Paso Diablos of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. Ryan enjoys an unconditional support, love and partnership with his wife Jessica and his daughters, Avery and Aubrey.

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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ROBERT MCNICOL

Inducted in 2023 Attended Eastwood High School from 1970 to 1974. Lettered three years. Sophomore Year Stats: ERA. 0.76 Batting Average .142 Junior Year Stats: ERA 4.00 Batting Average .181 Senior Year Stats: ERA 1.72 District ERA 0.85 Batting Average .292 Selected to the All-District team with a high school career ERA of 1.01. Connie Mack League summer of 1973: Played for the Eastwood Optimist team and advanced to the Regional Tournament in Van Horn, Texas Connie Mack League summer of 1974: Played for the Eastwood Optimist team and compiled a 3-1 record including the Leagues only no-hitter. Struck out 67 batters in 40 innings and allowed only 21 hits. At season’s end joined the Burges team under Coach Robert Osborne. Played in the Regional Tournament in Lamar, Colorado. Won the South Plains Regional Championship and advanced to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, NM. Connie Mack League Award– American Amateur Baseball Congress State All-Star Team with 3 win, 3 losses, 48 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.12. Received an athletic scholarship from University of Texas in August 1974. Played for famed Cliff Gustafson (Inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006) Freshman Year (1975) – Team record of 56 wins and 6 losses. Did not play the Freshman year (Red Shirt Year). The team won the Southwestern Conference and ultimately the NCAA National Championship. Sophomore Year (1976) – Team record of 54 wins and 16 losses. Played 2 games in relief. The team won the Southwestern Conference and lost in the Regional Tournament. Transferred to Lubbock Christian College in 1977 Played for famed Larry Hays (Inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame – 2015). Sophomore Year (1977) – Team record of 44 wins and 27 losses. Won the Texoma Athletic Conference. Won the District 8 Tournament, Won the Area 2 Tournament and advanced to the NAIA College World Series in St. Joseph Missouri. This was the first ever World Series appearance for Lubbock Christian. Junior Year (1978) – Team record of 47 wins and 24 losses. Won the Texoma Athletic Conference. Won the District 8 Tournament and came in second in the Area 2 Tournament in Lubbock, TX. Senior Year (1979) – Team Record 42 wins and 24 losses. Won the Texoma Athletic Conference. Won the District 8 Tournament and came in fourth place in the Area 2 Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona. Was awarded the College’s L. D. Hays Award which is awarded to the Outstanding Athlete of the year (1979). Was awarded to the College’s All Decade team of the 1970’s as the left-handed relief pitcher Wife is Janet Ellen McNicol and Son Bradley McNicol

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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JESSIE LUJAN III

Inducted in Class of 2023 Jesus “Jesse” was a star pitcher at Thomas Jefferson High School and at the University of Texas El Paso. Ace Pitcher and All-District selection in 1966 leading the Jefferson Silver Foxes with a complete game performance in a 3-2 win over rival Irvin High School as Jefferson clinched the District 1-AAAA title. He notched a 5-0 record in District play East Division and District 1-AAAA Champions in 1966 All Eastern Division and All District Selection as Pitcher In 1967, had a batting average .385, tied for leading University of Texas EL Paso Miners in pitching wins 8 and struck out 55 hitters establishing him as one of the anchors on the pitching staff Arm injury cut pitching career short, but his athleticism allowed him to make a remarkable transition to play the outfield His baseball journey included later play in Mexico, the International League and the 35 and over Lower Valley Baseball League in El Paso Wife is Leticia Ofelia Lujan

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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ALONZO RUELAS

Inducted in 2023 Alonzo Ruelas began his baseball journey at age 5 playing in the Socorro Optimist League for his father Willie Ruelas with the Socorro Pirates. His baseball journey was nurtured by the support from his mom Alicia. Alonzo comes from an encouraging and supportive baseball family and his love of the game includes guidance from Diana, Cynthia and Danny. Alonzo was a star player at Socorro High School earning multiple All District, All City honors. He also earned All State recognition playing for the Bulldogs Following high school, Ruelas signed to play collegiately with Grayson County College and was a member of their 2000 National Championship team. Following Junior College, he was drafted in the 8th round by the Atlanta Braves. Alonzo began his professional career playing rookie ball in the Braves organization. His professional journey includes playing for the Danville Braves, Rome Braves, and Myrtle Beach Pelicans. During Spring training Alonzo played with the Richmond Braves and Jacksonville Braves. Alonzo was also called up to catch John Smoltz in 2004. Ruelas played alongside some famous players to include Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Javy Lopez. Other notable players that he played against during his time with the Braves were Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Albert Puljos, and Miguel Cabrera. Alonzo enjoys unconditional support, love and partnership with his wife Carmen Ruelas and his children Alonzo Jordan and Colton Ruelas

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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CARLOS LAZCANO

Inducted in 2023 Carlos Lazcano began his baseball journey at age 5 playing in the Liga Basaseachic in Cd. Juarez, Mex. His journey in El Paso baseball started a year later at the Alta Vista Optimist League. His Baseball Journey was nurtured by the unconditional love and support from his Mom Irma and Dad Ramiro. His love of the game includes guidance, direction and wisdom from Olivia, Debbie and especially Ramiro Jr. Playing for Austin High School starting in 1989 saw Carlos earn distinction and honors as a 4 year All District Selection and 2 years as an All City Honoree. He was distinguished with the honor of being selected to the 1992 Texas-Oklahoma All Star Game. At Ranger Junior College he earned Offensive Player of the Year Honors and All Conference Designated Hitter selection in 1994. He was also selected to play in the NJCAA Baseball All Star Game. He repeated his selection earning 1995 All Conference Designated Hitter honors. In 1996, Carlos earned Lone Star All Conference Designated Hitter honors playing for Texas A & M Kingsville. In 1998, Lazcano was selected to be the Lone Star Conference Player of the Year, earning Honors as the All Conference Catcher selection as well helping to lead his team to the Conference Championship. He was named to the All-Tournament team in 1998. Carlos worked diligently in the Classroom earning All-Conference Academic Honors in 1996, Academic Honors 1996 – 1999, GTE Academic All Region Honors and the 1998 Oliver Seiko Award signifying the highest GPA of all university athletes at Texas A& I Kingsville. His academic accomplishments earned him designation as a Career Award Recipient. Carlos enjoys an unconditional support, love and partnership with his wife Hortencia and his son Carlos Jr.

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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OMAR QUINTANILLA

Omar Quintanilla also known as “Q” began his baseball journey playing youth baseball with the Socorro Astros, Socorro Pirates and the Bandits. His baseball journey was nurtured by support from his Mom Olga Quintanilla and Dad Manuel Javier Quintanilla. Omar comes from an encouraging and supportive baseball family and his love of the game includes guidance from his brothers Javier, Alex and Joel and his Sisters Veronica and Claudia. Quintanilla was a star player at Socorro High School playing from 1996-2000 for Coach Chris Forbes earning multiple All District, All City and All State honors. Omar signed to play collegiately with the University of Texas Longhorns and was a starter on their 2002 National Championship team. He earned All-Conference honors and multiple trips to the College World Series. His play in the College World Series against Rice still rates as a consistent highlight shown by ESPN during their coverage of tournament action. Quintanilla began his professional career in 2003 signing in the First Round of the MLB Draft with the Oakland A’s. His professional journey includes making his Major League Debut in 2005 with the Colorado Rockies and also playing in the Major Leagues with the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets Omar enjoys the unconditional support, love and partnership with his wife Cynthia and his children Carla and Ariel.

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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FERNANDO RODRIGUEZ

Fernando Rodriguez, also known as Fernie began his baseball journey under the guidance of Coach Manny Frias and Coach Junior Flores. At the age of 10 Fernando began playing with the Junkyard Dogs and Coach Victor Garcia. In his athletics he was also nurtured by the support of his parents, Martha and Fernando Rodriguez. Fernando comes from a supporting family and his love of the game was also encouraged by his sisters, Alejandra and Adriana and his brother Mario. Rodriguez earned 2002 High School District MVP honors playing for Coach Steve Mims at Franklin High School. Following high school, Fernando signed to play at EPCC where he studied architecture and made the Dean’s list. He was then drafted in 2003 in the 18th Round by the Los Angeles Angels signing with El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Honoree Kevin Ham. He earned MLB.com 2009 Double-A Relief Pitcher of the Year honors pitching for the Arkansas Travelers. He made his big-league debut against the New York Yankees on May 2, 2009. He remained in the Angels organization through 2010. After playing winter ball for Tiburones de la Guaira, he signed a free agent contract with the Houston Astros where he played two years. After the 2012 season he got traded to the Oakland Athletics where he spent most of his big-league career from 2013 through 2016. Fernando later became a free agent and over the years signed with the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres where he got to play for the El Paso Chihuahuas. In 2019, El Paso Community College retired his number 17. Fernando has had unconditional support, love, and partnership from his wife Myla throughout his career. They have two little baseball fans Beni and Leo.

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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CHUCK HEIST

Charles R. Heist also known as Chuck began his baseball journey at age 8 playing in the Lower Valley Optimist League. His baseball journey was nurtured by the support from his Mom Leta Jo Heist and Dad Charles Melvin Heist. Charles comes from an encouraging and supportive baseball family and his love of the game includes guidance from his brothers Karl and Fred Heist and Sister Glenda Ferris. Charles was a star player at Eastwood High School playing for Coach Jim Pufal and Coach Ray Saenz earning All District Honorable Mention in 1978 and All District recognition in 1979. During High School, he hit 16 home runs over a 16 game span. Following high school, Heist signed to play collegiately with Ranger Junior College before returning to play for UTEP in 1981-1983 where he earned All-Conference honors. Charles began his professional career in 1984 playing Independent League for the Helena Gold Sox. In 1985 he played for the Salt Lake City Trappers. He played for a Kansas City/Montreal Expos split squad in 1986 before being promoted to the Florida State League for the Kansas City Royals. Charles enjoys an unconditional support, love and partnership with his wife Beatrice Heist and their daughters Alexia, Andrea and Alyssa.

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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Hector Bernal Jr.

Hector R. Bernal Jr. attended J. M. Hanks High School where he was a three-year varsity letter winner and earned All District honor and named to the All-City Second Team for the Knights. He received an athletic scholarship from El Paso Community College where he played from 2004-2006. While at EPCC he led the Tejanos in hits and batting average. He was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 14th round of the 2006 amateur draft. During his rookie season with the organization he suffered a compound fracture to his lower leg that nearly ended his baseball career. Through the rehabilitation process it was clear to him that he would make a return to the game. By 2007 he was acquired by the Yuma Scorpions and consecutively spent time playing in the “Liga Invernal de Veracruz” for the Chileros of Xalapa. In 2008 he was sold by Yuma to the El Paso Diablos. During his second season with the Diablos he was named to the All-Star team for the American Association of Professional Players while also earning player of the week honors. He would spend the rest of the 2010 season with the St. Paul Saints. At the conclusion of his season 2011 season with the Traverse City Beach Bums, he decided to retire and stepped away from the game as a player. However, his passion led him to continue to contribute to the game through coaching. He started an organization, Prostyle Sports which hosted camps and showcases for local players. He has also coached youth baseball teams and a select high school team, El Paso Suns, alongside fellow members of the El Paso Hall of Fame. Hector continues coaching youth sports and remains ambitious about growing the sport of baseball not only in our city, but in the hearts of future players. Hector and his wife Irma have two children, Kaylee Ana and Theodore “Teddy” Weslee. Hector has received unconditional support from his Father Hector, his Mother Laura, Sister Sabrina and Brother Michael.

Area: Eastside / Eastwood

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