Historic Baseball Ceremony & Tournament

With the absence of a Fort Stockton varsity baseball team leading up to the early 1960s, the ambitious youth searched for ways to continue playing baseball after little league. And in 1964, a local baseball team voted and transitioned into a team called the “Blue Sox”. This team was formed to fill the need in for an adult baseball group in the community. This team would travel and play surrounding cities while gaining popularity within the Fort Stockton Community. By 1967, Fort Stockton’s baseball program produced a second team called the “Sonics”, and the historic rivalry ensued. 

The teams’ rosters had various age ranges, centered around the late teens to early twenties. These teams were considered, at one time, semi-pro and were comprised of many skilled players. These teams played many other surrounding cities across New Mexico, Texas, and even within Mexican territory. Mr. Luis Blanco (played for the Blue Sox) remembers, “I saw the Blue Sox play when I was small. I enjoyed it thoroughly, I loved it, and I lived to play baseball.” Freddie Dominguez (played for the Blue Sox and Sonics) misses “Everything about baseball! The sport, your competitors, your opponents, your teammates, the dedication, the sacrifice, the effort, the abilities, and the gifted athletes. I miss all of it.” “Everybody came to the baseball park to watch us play, that was exciting!” Queen contests also gained popularity during this time, where female contestants rallied in a competition by selling tickets to win the coveted crown for their respective teams. This Queen coronation and event occurred during the baseball season and ran successfully for many years.

The 3rd Annual Fort Stockton Barrio Fest event will yet again hold our historical posters at key locations throughout the Barrio accompanied by a map pointing to these areas. This self-guided tour helps pinpoint historical locations that played roles in the past including many grocery shops, barbershops, schools, housing, and much more. The posters will be up at the location beginning September 13th, to commence the Fort Stockton Barrio Fest Events. This evolving list of historical sites will continue growing as we learn more about the rich history of the Fort Stockton area and its connection with the Hispanic culture.  

(Organized by Isai Rosas)