Teaching and Learning Faculty Publications and Presentations
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 2020
Abstract
The history of Laredo baseball reflects a vibrant and evolving cultural phenomenon spanning from the early 20th century to the mid-1950s. Ramon Garces chronicles this journey by dividing it into distinct phases, beginning with the city's involvement in the Southwest Texas League in 1910, where it stood out for its inclusion of Latino players. Despite a promising start, financial challenges ended the league by 1911. The 1920s saw the emergence of the iconic "Milmo Team," composed of celebrated Latino players whose achievements were overlooked by contemporary media.
The 1930s and 1940s marked a transition from sandlot baseball to a more organized structure, highlighted by the founding of the Laredo Baseball Park. During World War II, women's fastpitch softball, led by the Laredo Lionettes, captivated audiences, sustaining the region's passion for the sport. Post-war baseball saw the revival of professional teams, including the Apaches in the Rio Grande League and later the Gulf Coast League. Despite initial enthusiasm and local talent, financial and operational struggles led to fluctuating success.
Garces concludes his account in 1952, leaving later developments to other historians. The legacy of Laredo baseball, enriched by cross-border unity and a commitment to diversity, remains a testament to its unique cultural and historical significance. The story continues in archives, oral histories, and works like Alan M. Klein's Baseball on the Border: A Tale of Two Laredos.
Recommended Citation
Torres, R. (2020). Foul Balls across the Rio Grande. Journal of South Texas, 34(2), 122–126.
First Page
122
Last Page
126
Publication Title
Journal of South Texas
Comments
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