The Missions are the Double A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, and they compete in the Texas League against other teams' Double A affiliates. Basically, each organization has a Single A, Double A, Triple A and major-league team. The other Texas League teams, with affiliates listed in parentheses, are: Arkansas Travelers (Los Angeles Angels), Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Kansas City Royals), Springfield Cardinals (St. Louis Cardinals), Tulsa Drillers (Colorado Rockies), Corpus Christi Hooks (Houston Astros), Frisco Rough Riders ( Texas Rangers ) and Midland Rockhounds (Oakland A's).

When do they play?

Most of the Missions' home games start at 7:05 p.m. Visit samissions.com for a complete schedule of games.

Where do they play?

The Missions play at Wolff Stadium, at U.S. 90 andCallaghan Road.

Do they have any cool promotions?

Yes, there are several, and there are three notable ones.

$1 night on Thursdays: discounted hot dogs, beer and soft drinks.

Day games: On April 14 and May 20, the Missions play at 11:05 a.m. The first game is Math Day, and the second is History Day, so expect plenty of kids on field trips.

July 4 extravaganza: Following the game against Northwest Arkansas, stick around for what's become an annual concert by Robert Earl Keen, along with a fireworks show.

Who are some Missions players I should know?

OF Cedric Hunter: The 21-year-old batted .318 with 11 homers and 84 RBIs in Single A Lake Elsinore (Calif.) last season.

2B Eric Sogard: The 22-year-old from Arizona State hit .308 with 10 homers and 87 RBIs for Lake Elsinore last season.

3B Seth Johnston: The 26-year-old from Boerne has already proven that he has power. He hit 16 homers last season and had a grand slam against the Padres on April 2 at Wolff Stadium.

OF Kellen Kulbacki: The 23-year-old hit .332 with 20 homers and 66 RBIs for Lake Elsinore last season. Given his experience, Kulbacki could make it to the majors before Hunter.

David Kendrick _ 210SA Contributor