Mission in Hidalgo County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Mission 30-30
Photographed by Dave W, January 24, 2026
1. Mission 30-30 Marker
In the early 1920s, Najo and several other young men in Mission formed a town semi-pro baseball team, the Mission 30-30s, named after the Winchester Model 1894 rifle, which was popularly known as the 30-30 rifle. The 30-30s became a baseball institution in Mission, existing until the mid-1960s. A number of famous South Texans besides Najo played on the 30-30s team, including future Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry and future U.S. Congressman Kika de la Garza. This photo shows the 1920 Novena Mission 30-30 Baseball Club. Numbers written on the photo correspond to the players' names and positions. 1st row, L-R: Eliseo Cantu, 11, Manager; Jose Saenz, 5, Third Base; Leo Najo Alaniz, 2, Pitcher; Pepe Barrera, 6, Shortstop; Porfirio Guerra, 7, Right Fielder. 2nd row, L-R: Pedro Vela, 9, Left Fielder; Dario de la Garza, 10, Captain; Myers (Ft. Ringgold), 1, Catcher; Jacinto Gonzales, 3, First Base; Waltham (car salesman), 12, Umpire; Jose Garza Carreon, 4, Second Base; Jose Contreras, 8, Center Fielder.
Erected by Mission Historical Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.
Location. 26° 12.926′ N, 98° 19.471′
this page online
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: Leonardo Alaniz (a few steps from this marker); Partido de La Garra (a few steps from this marker); Fort Ringgold Team (a few steps from this marker); Labor Day Mission Derby of 1953 (a few steps from 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 (within shouting distance of this marker); Mission Grapefruiters (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mission.
Photographed by Dave W, January 24, 2026
2. Mission 30-30 Marker
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 36 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.
