Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
Passion, culture, and history
In the land of Sinaloa, sports and culture merge in an eternal romance that always promises to create legends. Its historical identity pays homage to Culichi pride, and its cradle of outstanding athletes is a love poem to the sports and culture of Mexico.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
Writing history
The Municipal Hall of Fame in Culiacán was inaugurated in 2001 with a grand ceremony. Located in the Constitution Civic Center, it paid tribute to the first 10 immortals of Culiacán.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
Sacrifice and dedication
Over the years, the names of 77 extraordinary individuals have been etched in stone who, through victories and legendary feats, have secured their place in Culiacán's history and cemented themselves as immortals.<br>
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
Collecting memories
This vast collection, a treasure trove of uniforms, photographs, autographs, trophies, and mementos, portrays the history of sports in Culiacán.
Steps of immortal legends
This impressive collection serves as a living testament to Culiacán's sporting legacy and the personalities whose tenacity and sacrifice have left their mark on history and their communities.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
El Zorro del Desierto (The Desert Fox)
Javier Borguetti, hailing from 'Culiacancito Sinaloa' as he calls it, earned his peculiar nickname during his time with two giants of Mexican soccer: the Atlas 'Zorros' and Santos Laguna, the latter from the arid desert of Coahuila.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
A Sinaloan soccer warrior
Jared is considered by many to be the greatest forward in the history of the Mexican national soccer team, with a record of 46 goals in 89 matches. His legendary header against Italy in the 2002 World Cup made him an icon of Sinaloa's warrior spirit.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
The César of boxing
Mexico's sporting history wouldn't be complete without its boxers, and Julio César Chávez embodies the heart, courage, and warrior spirit of the Mexican boxer, always moving forward. No one better represents hard work and determination in the ring.<
Iron in the blood
Though born in Ciudad Obregón, Julio César has always considered Culiacán his home. It was here that he began his boxing career against Miguel Ruiz, knocking him out as the bell rang for the first round.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
Fists of History
Raised in railroad houses #17, Julio César Chávez reached the pinnacle of boxing with a historic streak of 89 undefeated victories and multiple championships. Unlike other boxers, César accepted all challengers to his crown, proving his warrior spirit.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
68 - 0 - Trial by fire
In his 115-fight career, one of Julio César's most memorable battles was against Meldrick TNT Taylor. With his undefeated streak at stake and behind on the scorecards, he knocked Taylor out with a right hook to the jaw with just 17 seconds left in the 12th and final round. A legendary punch.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
107 - 6 - 2 Legendary record
At the end of his career, Julio César had a record 107 victories, 86 by KO, six defeats, and two draws, leaving an indelible mark on the world of boxing and becoming the pride of his beloved Culiacán and all of Mexico.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
Gloria Borrego
In the world of softball, Gloria Borrego from Culiacán is a legendary and unparalleled figure. With over 600 victories, 24 no-hitters, and 11 perfect games, she has achieved immortality. Her competitive spirit is an inspiration to every athlete.
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Monuments of sport
For her achievements and immense contribution to sports in Culiacán, the stadium in Parque Constitución bears her name. Her legacy is an inspiration to children and a timeless reminder of the competitive greatness of a legend.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
El Delfín
Jesús Noriega Durán, better known as El Delfín (The Dolphin), started his wrestling career at 16 and had a career spanning over 40 years, before the wrestling commissioner retired him aged 70 to protect his health.
El Delfín
In 1978, he teamed up with the legendary silver-masked wrestler, El Santo. In his own words, "A humble tomato picker got to team up with El Santo." This charismatic wrestler once held the Pacific Coast crown.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
Mask vs. mask
He won his first major mask vs. mask duel in 1973 against El Lobito Gris. For El Delfin, his most special achievement was winning the mask from Calixo in a cage match. A true warrior of the ring, Jesús Noriega exemplifies a true immortal of sports and Mexico.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
El Profe 'Rafita'
Behind every great athlete is a great coach who pushes them to be better. Rafael Díaz, affectionately known as 'El Profe Rafita' ('Prof. Rafi') by his players, is a legendary coach of the youth soccer leagues in Culiacán.
A master of the sport
Having won over 100 titles in more than 30 years, he has trained thousands of children and young people, inspiring and motivating them to give their best on the field. Among them is Hector Moreno, UNAM Puma and national team player.
A life dedicated to others
His commitment and dedication have made him a true Culiacán legend, reminding us that to fulfill a dream, there is always someone to show you the way. Soccer in Culiacán and Mexico would not be the same without Rafita's legendary presence.
In his own words:
Anyone who has a dream should try to achieve it. Children's dreams can lead them to perfection.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
Hilda Gaxiola Álvarez
Born in Guamúchil in 1972, Hilda Gaxiola Álvarez exemplifies the sporting spirit of Culiacán. A graduate of Salvador Alvarado Federal High School number one, she won the silver medal in volleyball at the 1990 Central American Games and the Caribbean Series.
Culiacán's first Olympian
Interestingly, despite her achievements in indoor volleyball, she decided to retire aged 28 to start a new discipline: beach volleyball. She took Mexico's name to the top along with Teresa Galindo in Sydney 2000, and with Mayra García in Athens 2004.
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A true Olympian
Her skills and dedication in beach volleyball led her to achieve great triumphs and recognition as one of the world's top 20, exemplifying the Mexican Olympic spirit and earning the pride of Guamúchil, which renamed the municipal gymnasium in her name.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
Oliver Pérez
El Paisa' ('Country Boy'), originally from Culiacán, is one of the most extraordinary Mexican baseball players in history. He made his debut in 2002 with the San Diego Padres and over the course of 20 years played with historic teams such as the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Mets, and Cleveland.
The legendary lefty
In 2020, 'El Paisa' became the Mexican player with the longest career in Major Leagues, surpassing the legendary 'Toro' Valenzuela. His best season was in 2004 with the Piratas, leading the average strikeouts with an impressive 10.97 KO/9 innings.
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
The recipe for success:
In his legendary career, Oliver notched up an impressive 74 victories. His longevity was partly due to his ability to reinvent himself as a relief pitcher, but also to his unique pitching style.
In his own words:
"My recipe is simple. First, I mix the dough. I add a touch of trash. Then comes the heat. A LOT of heat."
Culiacan Hall of Fame by Hugo HerreraSinaloa Institute of Culture
Land of fulfilled dreams
These are just some of the personalities from the Sports Hall of Fame in Culiacán. Behind every object, plaque, and photograph of the 77 immortals, there are stories and legends that exemplify the Culichi spirit. A spirit that values dedication and passion.
This story was made with information and images from Instituto Sinaloense de Cultura.
