Phil Diaz
Bronze Medal Honoree
- July 13, 2002
Roll of Fame Honoree – Phil Diaz
Sacramento Mexican-American Bowling League
Silver Medallion
This gentleman is being inducted into the MAMBO
Roll of Fame’s Individual Silver Category,
“Service to the Organization”.
He was very
instrumental in organizing the first
Mexican-American Bowling League in California.
In 1969 the league was established at Alhambra
Bowl in Sacramento as a Mexican-American Bowling
League with many of the initial bowlers coming
from Cardinal Lanes. Back then Mexican-American
individuals were just gradually discovering the
sport of “Bowling”.
Phil Diaz has
bowled in the Mexican-American league every year
since the first season; he has served as
President and Vice President and served on
tournament committees for the “Cinco De Mayo”
and “16 de Septiembre” tournaments held annually
in Sacramento.
The
Sacramento Mexican-American league has evolved
in many ways in the last 32 years. Some changes
have included, from year round bowling to winter
league only, from potlucks to catering for
tournament bowlers, to changing to other bowling
locations. And Phil has been at the forefront
of many of these changes. One year, we even had
mariachis during bowling. Hey there’s nothing
like having a trumpet blasting in your ear while
you’re on a string of strikes. And in fact,
Phil’s nickname was Mariachi when he used to
entertain us on Friday nights after bowling.
Phil has also
supported many of the California tournaments
including places like Napa, El Cerrito and
Tulare; places that no longer have
Mexican-American tournaments.
Additionally,
Phil was inducted in the Sacramento Mexican
American Hall of Fame in 1985 for his
outstanding contributions throughout the years.
His dedication and commitment to sharing his
bowling talent and skills with his peers is to
be commended.
