Hall of Fame
Garcia was teammates with Canul in 1963 and 64 and played a big role in helping the Broncs to their first postseason appearance in 1964. The shortstop went on to play professionally in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization for the Salem Rebels and Batavia Pirates before moving on to the Mexican League with the Monterrey Sultanes, Reynosa Broncos, Tampico Stevedores, Puebla Pericos and Yucatan Leones from 1964 to 75. Garcia set what was then a stolen bases record with Tampico in 1971. He also served his country, spending a year and a half in Vietnam, and coached American Legion baseball in Edinburg after retiring from professional baseball. Garcia passed away on December 27, 2005 at the age of 62.
Garcia served his country, spending a year and a half in Vietnam, after getting drafted on May 17, 1966. His service medals include the National Defense Medal, the Service Medal, the Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14) Medal, the Vietnam Campaign medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was honorable discharged in May of 1972.
Robert Garcia, Richard Flores and Garcia's grandchildren accepted the award on his behalf.
"It just makes me so happy to know that his legacy lives on," one of his grand daughters said.
