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

Leonardo Alaniz

Photographed by Dave W, January 24, 2026

1. Leonardo Alaniz Marker

Inscription.
Leonardo Alaniz ("Leo Najo") was one of the first Mexican-born players to play professional baseball in the United States, debuting in 1924 with the San Antonio Bears of the Class A Texas League. After early success in the minor leagues, he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1925. In the early 1920s, Najo and several other young men in Mission formed a town semi-pro team, the Mission 30-30s. It was during Najo's early, semi-pro playing days that he began using "Najo" as his playing name. Relatives believe the name derived from the Spanish word for rabbit, "conejo", given to Najo by fans because of his fast base running. Because of his natural speed and catching ability, Najo mostly played center field.

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 1924.

Location. 26° 12.921′ N, 98° 19.472′ W. Marker is in Mission, Texas, in Hidalgo County. It is on Doherty Avenue south of E Tom Landry Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 919 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: Fort Ringgold Team (a few steps from this marker); Mission 30-30 (a few steps from this marker); Partido de La Garra (a few steps from this marker);

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Labor Day Mission Derby of 1953 (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 (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. Leonardo Alaniz 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 39 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.