Editor:

PRESENTATION — Author Donavan ‘Captain D’ Lopez with Post 99 officers and friends. Left to right standing Isreal Mendiola, Matt Ducheson, Abraham Garcia, Ted Shelton, Donavan Captain D Lopez, Lilia Caughlin, Holly Clow, Joe Martinez, Sam Gonzalez Jr., Ken Moses, and Valentin Martinez. Seated Merlin Simmons and Thomas Morgan. On Oct. 1, I presented The Kingsville American Legion Post 99 a certificate of participation along with several other articles of baseball memorabilia at the Legion Hall.

The event was in response for their support and contribution to the Texas A&I Los Paisanos Athletic Club Baseball Reunion and Exhibit held at the TAMUK campus in the Spring of 2006.

The exhibit traveled throughout South Texas and was showcased in several public and private venues including, the Driscoll town festival, the Alice Hispanic Heritage Festival, King Ranch Museum, the Texas A&M University-Kingsville book store and multiple book signings by the author.

LEGION CEREMONY — Author Donavan ‘Captain D’ Lopez addresses American Legion Post 99. The articles on loan from the Legion included newspaper articles, clippings and a couple of rare and unique baseballs.

This club was the first American Legion baseball team in Post 99 history. That year the team participated and won the league which included clubs from Alice, Calallen, Robstown, Kingsville and Falfurrias.

Many of the Post 99 players went on to play with the Texas A&I Los Paisanos team. Another commemorative baseball honored the first Texas A&I Los Paisanos first run scored.

Los Paisanos Presentation The game was played on October 24th, 1987 and was the first time a college game was ever played at Dick Kleberg Park.

Two American Legion members announced the college games that day. The items will be on display at the Legion Hall located at 222 E. Shelton St. in Kingsville. Merlin Simmons in 2005 was the Post Commander who originally loaned the articles to Lopez.

He commented, “I really liked seeing those baseballs at the legion Hall and every time I passed by the empty display case I told myself, I wish those baseballs were back here.”

After a successful and glorious book tour and exhibition, my 71-year-old mother returned to my home for permanent residence and I suddenly became an instant home provider.

Anyone with older parents can relate to my dilemma. I went from full time author, publicist and teacher to full time care giver. So, all my plans were put on hold. My mother passed in March and only now, have I been able to pursue my interest. I have no regrets, because I love my mother dearly and that is why I dedicated my book to her.

Post 99 Memorabilia Exhibit I do believe the people of the American Legion and all those who have supported Texas A&MKingsville Baseball, soon to be once again A&I, should receive the utmost accolades, because it has always been grass roots support that has always made small town athletics successful.

Very Truly Yours,

Donavan “Captain D” Lopez

(Editor’s Note: Kingsville native and author Donavan “Captain D” Lopez’s book can be purchased at the TAMUK book store as well as King Ranch Museum. Lopez and Raul Garza are working on a book about the history of St. Martin’s Catholic Church, which will coincide with the 100 anniversary of the church. Lopez is also being featured in a review at www.RobertLeos.com. For more information contact robertleos@ austin.rr.com.)