Bernardo Peña†
Inducted: 1991
Hometown: USA
Best Known for: Athlete – Baseball
d. 1969
An early star in Valley baseball, Peña was a semi-pro legend also took stints in the minor leagues in both Mexico and the United States, establishing himself as an awesome pitcher who could also swat the long ball.
Peña, nicknamed “Papa,” was a superstar of the 1920s and 1930s who specialized in pitching both ends of the weekend doubleheaders that were commonplace in the era. After beating Laredo twice in one day in 1934 he was signed to a contract with Palestine, Texas, of the old West Dixie League, making $90 per month, considered big money in those days. He won two games in brief duty and hit .296 as well.
No one knows what he could have done if he had been able to get started in the minors at an earlier age. After his playing days, Peña devoted himself to promoting baseball, until he passed away in 1969.