Mission in Hidalgo County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Labor Day Mission Derby of 1953

Photographed by Dave W, January 24, 2026

1. Labor Day Mission Derby of 1953 Marker

Inscription.
Played on Labor Day, September 7, 1953 at 30-30 Field, The Mission Derby was the culmination of a long-running feud between rival teams the Madero outlaws and Mission Spikes 30-30 Rifles. Fans were treated to an 11-inning thriller which included major stars for each side. Stand-out players included Reynaldo "Rey" Valadez, who pitched a phenomenal game for the 30-30s, Mundo Sánchez (later signed by the Detroit Tigers), and Borrado Flores. As indicated by teammates Cisco Estevis (left) and Reynaldo Valadez pointing at the scoreboard, the Outlaws won 4-3.

Erected by Mission Historical Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Hispanic Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is September 7, 1953.

Location. 26° 12.935′ N, 98° 19.47′ W. Marker is in Mission, Texas, in Hidalgo County. It is at the intersection of Doherty Avenue and E Tom Landry Street, on the right when traveling north on Doherty Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 925 Doherty Ave, Mission TX 78572, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Partido de La Garra (a few steps from this marker); Mission 30-30 (a few steps from this marker); Leonardo Alaniz

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Ringgold Team (within shouting distance of this marker); Madero Valley Brickers (within shouting distance of this marker); Baseball in the Rio Grande Valley (within shouting distance of this marker); Shary Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mission Grapefruiters (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mission.

Photographed by Dave W, January 24, 2026

2. Labor Day Mission Derby of 1953 Marker

Seen here on the last fence column to the north on Doherty Ave.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 28 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 25, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.