Memorable Photos in Valley Sports History
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1903: Henry Schmidt of Brownsville – believed to be first athlete from Rio Grande Valley to play professional sports
Brown June 26, 1873 in Brownsville – died April 23, 1926 in Nashville, Tenn. (52 years old)
Major League Debut: April 17, 1903, for the Brooklyn Superbas; last appearance September 22, 1903 for the Brooklyn Superbas
Won-Loss Record: 22-13; Earned Run Average 3.83; Strikeouts 96
Henry Martin Schmidt (June 26, 1873 – April 23, 1926) was a professional baseball pitcher for the Brooklyn Superbas during the 1903 season. A star in the minor leagues, was acquired by Brooklyn and won 22 games during his single season there. The Superbas wanted him back for 1904, but he declined, sending a note to the team (with the unsigned contract for the 1904 season) that declared, "I do not like living in the East and will not report." His 22 wins is the most by a pitcher who only played one Major League season.
He returned to the Pacific Coast League and continued his career in the minors.[3] After his baseball career he reportedly made a living selling fabrics. He was known throughout Texas as "Flannel".
Henry Schmidt was referenced in the motion picture Off the Black starring Nick Nolte and Timothy Hutton. Nolte shares Schmidt's story as a life lesson with a young man that he has befriended.
Information from Baseball Reference – https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schmihe01.shtml
1942 San Benito High Bi-District Playoff Game Program
1947 Brownsville High Basketball Team
Coach Bob Martin, seated center
1958 Edcouch-Elsa Basketball Bi-District Champions
1962 and 1963 Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Bears
Class 2A State Finalists Both Years
1965 Brownsville High School State Finalist Baseball Team
50th Reunion, 2015 RGVSHOF Induction Ceremony
1976 Texas Southmost College Baseball Team
Reunion of 1984 Mission Eagles Football Team
2011 Reunion of UT-Pan American Alumni