1968: War, assassinations and Pan American College

In September 1968, the Broncs from Pan American College were ready to compete at the next level in sports. They refused to cling to the status quo and thus, changed the landscape for a new era in sports.

Ralph Schilling, the president of the college, as well as J.A. Brooks, the director of Athletics; announced that the Broncs would compete in the NCAA Division I level in baseball, basketball, tennis and golf.

Although, the sports program had initially participated in Division 1 in 1965 in limited sports activities.

Credit was given to Schilling and Brooks as those who shaped and brought local, state and national attention to the college through sports.

A newspaper report stated, “The advancement into NCAA was in keeping with the overall growth and development of the college in acreage and buildings.

Illuminating the skyline

It was also in 1968 that the Broncs baseball field (located on campus) turned on the floodlights. The purchase of the lights cost the college as estimated $18,000, which included transportation and installation.

The cost of the lights in today’s market would be valued at $167,000.

Brooks made a deal with the Chicago Cubs to buy the lights from La Grave Field in Fort Worth, home of the Fort Worth Cats. It was a great buy considering that if bought from the manufacturer it would cost considerably more.

Lighting changed the face of Bronc baseball giving the players and fans a break from the tremendous Rio Grande Valley heat.

It was a picturesque ballpark on the northeast side of the campus that attracted healthy crowds.

It was an era unlike today, when coaches and players alike — raked, watered, and chalked the base lines with a relentless pursuit of perfection.

It was a religious experience performed with pride and loyalty to the team.

In 1972, the park took a name change to honor a former baseball standout, Jody Ramsey.

Another Milestone in ’68

Participating in their first year of Division 1 baseball, the Broncs advanced to the Division 6 playoffs series against the Texas Longhorns in Austin.

Although they did not win the series, the Broncs defeated the Horns for the first time in their baseball history, 2 to 1.

Tony Barbosa, from Brownsville, pitched 9 innings and Tommy Sandoval came in the 10th inning to win the game.

But more amazingly, they beat the Southwest Conference pitcher of the year, James Street. Texas won the first game of the series 3-0, and the third one 10-6 to advance to the College World Series.

But it did not take long to face the Longhorns again.

In 1971, Pan Am won a three-game series against Texas in San Antonio to advance to the College World Series. The Broncs ended the year ranked 4th in the nation.