Texas Association

The Texas Association was a minor baseball league based in Texas. A league by that name first appeared in 1896, but folded following the season. A new league by that name returned in 1923 and played until 1926.

The initial Texas Association consisted of six teams - the Austin Senators, Dallas Navigators, Denison Tigers, Fort Worth Panthers, Galveston Sandcrabs, Houston Buffaloes, San Antonio Missionaries and Sherman Students. The Students disbanded in June and were replaced by the Paris Midlands, a semi-professional team. Denison, Fort Worth, Dallas and Paris disbanded on August 2. Houston finished in first place and beat second-place finisher Galveston in the playoffs to win the league championship.[1] Notable players in the league that year include Kid Elberfeld, Warren Wallace Beckwith and Harry Steinfeldt.

The league ceased operations following the 1896 season, but returned in 1923 with a six-team format. The Austin Rangers, Corsicana Oilers, Marlin Bathers, Mexia Gushers, Sherman-Denison Twins and Waco Indians made up the league that year, with Mexia finishing first in the league. Despite Mexia's first-place finish, it was second- and third-place finishers Austin and Sherman, respectively, that played in the playoffs, which ended in a tie.

The Sherman-Denison squad did not return for 1924 and was replaced by the Temple Surgeons. All other teams returned. Corsicana finished in first place and Temple in last. No playoffs were held that season. Jack Smith, who spent 15 seasons in Major League Baseball, played for the Marlin squad that season.[2]

For 1925, the Austin Rangers became the Austin Senators, while the Waco club did not return - it was replaced by the Terrell Terrors. All other teams returned. On May 13, Marlin moved to Palestine to become the Palestine Pals. With an 85-48 record, Corsicana finished in first place that season. Minor league legend Smead Jolley played for Corsicana that year, while 12-year major league veteran Boom-Boom Beck suited up for the Marlin/Palestine club. 1926 was the final year of the Texas Association. All six teams returned from the previous year. Austin finished in first place, but lost in the playoffs three games to zero to second-place finisher Palestine.

No effort was made to bring the league back for 1927. Palestine, Mexia and Corsicana moved to the Lone Star League, while Austin, Terrell and Temple ceased operations. Professional baseball would return to Austin in 1956, but Terrell and Temple have yet to field another team.

References

  1. ↑ The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball, 2nd and 3rd editions
  2. ↑ Jack Smith minor league log
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