What is the Prospect Hill Yellow Jackets (PHY)?
During the 1930’s, the lower middle class began formally to sponsor events such as dances, banquets, and fiestas. While many of these events were primarily social, they helped provide a sense of identity and unity for the emerging middle class while differentiating itself from the labor class. In turn, organizations and clubs were established that eventually sponsored athletic leagues and sport activities in the West Side of San Antonio.
The Prospect Hill Yellow Jackets (PHY) athletic club was established on January 20th, 1932. On this day, Fernando “Nando” Arellano Sr. called a meeting with three of his friends to discuss how they could start a sports club. Previously, there were no opportunities or facilities provided for the community to participate in recreational sports. After the meeting and eventually gaining a strong following, the end result was the Prospect Hill Yellow Jackets athletic club, which grew to be one of the most successful athletic programs in the city of San Antonio. In 1936, Fernando Arellano founded the PHY Little League and served as its president for three years. The name “yellow jackets” was selected because a church had donated yellow jerseys for the team.
Due to World War II however, there was a four-year halt on activities. After the war, the veterans who used the GI Bill to pursue college educations and secure federal jobs such as at Kelly Air Force Base, were too old to continue playing. Therefore, these members rallied together to help build the PHY athletic club. As a result, an administration group was formed that included a president, two vice presidents, a secretary, and a treasurer, to serve as leaders.
It is through this group’s time, effort, loyalty, and passion that helped the PHY athletic club grow and achieve its goals through its motto “youth development through sports.” In addition, a Ladies Auxiliary of the PHY was established and also played an important role in the youth development program, devoting their time towards making the program a success. The Ladies Auxiliary had a group of administrators that included, a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, sub-treasurer, and telephone chairman.
Despite a few setbacks, such as a 1962 fire, damaging the concession stand at the field, located on Dartmouth street, the PHY athletic club continued to move forward and grow through continued participation from the local community and its youth. In 1963, the PHY athletic club included, six teams of baseball Minor League, six teams of Little League, a six-team girls’ softball league, a women’s softball league of six teams, and a slow pitch softball league for men. In addition, the PHY also had a three-league soccer program for pee-wees, juniors, and seniors.