Conclusion
Currently making a career in sports as a college-level soccer coach at St. Mary’s University, I am proud to discover, learn, and produce evidence on how the PHY athletic club in the West Side of San Antonio was a vehicle for integration and acculturation into the American mainstream for Mexican Americans during the 1960’s. Baseball is “America’s old pastime” and through competition and “winning” meant the players belonged while maintaining their identity as Mexican Americans. For the West Side community of fans, each game was a time of fun and celebration.
It is clear the City of San Antonio has a rich history in Mexican American baseball with the PHY athletic club. The PHY athletic club served as a foundation for youth development and strengthened pride in the West Side community. Young people were given opportunities to participate in sports and surrounded by American concepts and culture. Through teamwork, discipline, and competition, the players of the PHY Little League demonstrated Mexican Americans could win. Players went on to lead successful professional, business, and community careers. Teamwork, competition and winning instilled in them confidence in their abilities. The experiences of playing on the PHY Little League proved significant and moreover, fond memories of raspas bring smiles to this day.