What did the PHY do?
Sports were not only fun for the participants, but provided a sense of community and entertainment that connected the Mexican lower middle class. The Mexican community was the largest ethnic group, most of them living in the West Side of San Antonio. By the end of the Depression, the Mexican laboring class was “simply surviving” while the lower middle class was “finding and building its sense of Mexican American community.” During this time, sports provided an outlet for dealing with the struggles and frustrations of life while experiencing joy and a sense of accomplishment through competition, teamwork, and success in winning.
My father and uncle played together on the Cardinals team throughout Minor League and Little League. The Minor League was for players aged eight through eleven, while the Little League was for those aged twelve through fourteen. Currently on display in our home, my father framed a picture of the Cardinals when he was playing in the Minor League. This photo illustrates the sense of community and joy, discipline, respect, and pride the players and coaches felt during this time.