Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame

Unforgettable is an apt description of the connection Sam Barcelona Jr. (Deceased June 11, 2024 at 97), had with customers of Barcelona Sporting Goods. 

When North Shore High School in Houston won a Texas state football championship in 2015, the school and program showed its appreciation for Barcelona’s support by presenting him with a state championship ring. 

“I will never forget the expression on his face,” said Vivian Dancy, one of the school’s athletic administrators in 2015. “He had it sitting on his desk so everyone could see when they entered his office.” 

It was part of a 19-year relationship that started in 2003 between athletic director Vince Sebo and Barcelona. Sebo was sold on using Barcelona Sporting Goods as a supplier at three different school districts because Barcelona didn’t always call just to make a sale. 

“When we were in the playoff hunt, Sam would call every Monday and wish us good luck the upcoming week,” Sebo said. “Sam wasn’t just a good sporting goods representative; he was a friend to our program. Sam Barcelona was a true pioneer in the sporting goods business and truly deserves to be inducted into the (Sporting Goods Industry) Hall of Fame.” 

And that will happen for Barcelona as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Barcelona was a revered figure in the industry locally and nationally who worked until age 94 and passed away on June 11, 2024 at 97. 

“Barcelona Sporting Goods was primarily focused on South Texas but was considered one of the strongest team dealers in the industry,” said Jay Schindler, who worked for Wilson Sporting Goods. “Sam is a legend in the industry and in the greater Houston area and the influence he had on so many still carries on today. 

“I sold products to Sam and Barcelona’s for over 30 years, and while Sam was tough, he was fair, compassionate and respected. I considered him a friend and mentor.” 

Barcelona grew up in Houston and returned home after serving in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific. He worked as a salesman for Holt’s Sporting Goods and learned everything he could about the industry. Then he teamed up with longtime friend Slater Martin, a star NBA guard who is a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, on co-ownership of Slater Martin Sporting Goods. 

Barcelona eventually became the sole owner of the business and renamed it Barcelona Sporting Goods in 1956. Sam and his brother Dennis grew the company into multiple locations that operated for more than 60 years through hard work, dedication and innovation. The story with North Shore High School typified the service he expected to deliver to his customers. 

“I got to know ‘Mr. Sam’ by calling on his business as a sales representative and found out that he always had the pulse of his store and the schools,” said Stan Wood, who retired after repping Wilson, Russell Athletic and Universal Athletics. “He routinely checked in with coaches and athletic directors to see if they were receiving great service. If something was wrong, he was quick to let you know about it and get the customer taken care of.” 

Barcelona also never hesitated to take care of athletes who didn’t have the means to get the equipment to play. His contributions to the industry are numerous and have left an incredible mark that continues to enrich the lives of many. 

“Mr. Sam Barcelona was one of a kind,” Wood said. 

Please note: This biography was produced from the nominating materials in the candidate’s nominating year, so the information may not be current.