Photo of Bobby Avila for the article. you can use this under his photo if you want: Played in the 1954 Worl Series for Cleveland vs. New York Giants. (photo from the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Hall of Fame Museum)

The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame – Induction of Bobby Avila

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

On August 15, 2025, Bobby Avila will be inducted into The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame at a ceremony at Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians. Family members, museum representatives, and the Cleveland Guardians will be in attendance for the ceremony.

Bobby Avila, born in Veracruz, México, was the first Hispanic player to win a batting title in the major leagues. He achieved this feat in 1954 while playing for the Cleveland Indians, leading the American League with a .341 batting average.

Avila, also known as Roberto “Beto” Avila, played for the Orioles, Red Sox, and Braves during his 11-year career. Avila was also the first Hispanic selected to play in an All-Star Game(1954). Bobby Avila was born on April 2, 1924, and died on October 26, 2004, at the age of 80.

In México, he was known as Roberto “Beto” Avila, and in the United States, as Bobby Avila. Years after he retired and while he was visiting the 1987 All Star Game at Oakland, California I interviewed Avila, a very humble and proud Mexican man who was already involved in Mexico’s politics.

In fact, after his career as a professional baseball player, Ávila entered politics and was elected mayor of his hometown of Veracruz in 1980. He later served two terms in the Mexican national legislature. He was also inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.

Two Mexican League stadiums are named in his honor: Estadio Beto Ávila in Cancún and Parque Beto Ávila in Veracruz. The most famous Mexican-born baseball player. Fernando Valenzuela said, “Everyone knows who Avila was in Mexico.

He was an inspiration, of course, for Mexican ballplayers to follow to the States and play in the major leagues.” Museum Note: Fiesta Gigantes: This September 14, the Museum will be at Fiesta Gigantes, Oracle Park, San Francisco. Come and visit us.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com