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

Baseball in the Rio Grande Valley

Photographed by Dave W, January 24, 2026

1. Baseball in the Rio Grande Valley Marker

Inscription.
Baseball was introduced to the Lower Rio Grande Valley in the 1800s by soldiers stationed at forts Brown and Ringgold. Games played against each other and local city teams were popular public events. Popularity of the game increased with the rapid growth of the Valley's population in the 1910s and 1920s. The 1920s through the 1950s were the heyday of baseball in the Valley. Local teams were represented in numerous professional minor leagues during these years. Various youth leagues also enjoyed great popularity. While the popularity of baseball and its cousin, softball, has continued, the early-to-mid 1900s remain the glory days of baseball in south Texas.

Erected by Mission Historical Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.

Location. 26° 12.899′ N, 98° 19.475′ W. Marker is in Mission, Texas, in Hidalgo County. It is on Doherty Avenue north of E 9th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 911 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: Madero Valley Brickers (a few steps from this marker); Shary Building (a few

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steps from this marker); Mission Grapefruiters (a few steps from this marker); Fort Ringgold Team (within shouting distance of this marker); Leonardo Alaniz (within shouting distance of this marker); Mission 30-30 (within shouting distance of this marker); Partido de La Garra (within shouting distance of this marker); Labor Day Mission Derby of 1953 (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. Baseball in the Rio Grande Valley 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 46 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.