ITC presentation "Los Peloteros" features baseball in Tejano communities March 8

The Bruno Rios team from San Diego, Texas took the field in 1911. (Photo courtesy of Eliseo Cadenas)

By James Benavides
Senior Communications Specialistr, Institute of Texan Cultures

(March 2, 2015) - With Major League Baseball spring training underway, the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures will present “Los Peloteros: Baseball in the Tejano Community” at the museum’s Free Second Sunday, March 8. Speakers will begin their presentations at 2 p.m.

Baseball was the ultimate equalizer. While much of the 20th century was rife with unrest, racial tensions and segregation, teams could take to the ballfield to leave the outside world behind.

"Baseball let Tejanos define themselves," said Greg Garrett, museum researcher and organizer for Los Peloteros. "The game was a forum to create an identity within a society that marginalized them. They could play as hard as any team and loved the competition just as much."

Joe Sanchez, a former president of San Antonio’s Spanish American Baseball League, will present at the March 8 event. Sanchez’s family was involved with the league going back to World War II and up to the league’s disbanding in 2005.

Alberto Rodriguez, a history professor from Texas A&M University Kingsville will also participate. Rodriguez has a forthcoming baseball article to be published in the Journal of the West. In addition to drawing on the article for his presentation, he will give anecdotal details about baseball in the Rio Grande Valley where he grew up.

"Visitors will leave the museum with a newfound respect and understanding of the historical significance the game had in the Tejano communities of Texas," said Garrett. "These peloteros paved the way for every Tejano child who’s picked up a bat and dreamed about the big leagues."

To commemorate the event, the San Antonio Missions baseball team will give free baseballs, autographed by former players from semi-pro and amateur teams, to the first 50 children who attend. Additionally, former players and family members will display memorabilia, including photos, equipment and other artifacts, from the early days of organized baseball in San Antonio.

The Institute of Texan Cultures is located on the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd., a short distance from the Alamo and the River Walk. Admission to the March 8 event is free, as part of the museum’s Free Second Sundays program.

For more information, call 210-458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com.

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