Cruz Azul
1927–1961: Early years and amateur success
1927–1961: Early years and amateur success
In 1925, the cooperative initially planned to form a baseball team, reflecting the sport's popularity in the area. However, Garcés López advocated for football to become the company's official sport. After sustained lobbying, the cooperative held a referendum on 22 March 1927, in which football was selected. A football pitch replaced the baseball diamond, and the team was formally established two months later on 22 May 1927, with Garcés López as its first manager. For the following decades, Cruz Azul competed in regional tournaments, composed exclusively of company workers. The club achieved notable success in amateur competitions during the 1930s and 1940s.
1927–1961: Early years and amateur success
On 10 December 1953, Álvarez Macías, who had been employed by the cooperative since childhood, was appointed general manager of Cooperativa La Cruz Azul. Initially employed as an automotive mechanic, Álvarez Macías spent over two decades at the company, rising through the ranks. A self-proclaimed socialist, Álvarez Macías laid plans to transform the cooperative into a functioning town, in hope to modernize and "share social and economic progress, to raise the standard of living of the worker and his family." In his goal to promote social well-being among members of the cooperative, Álvarez Macías invested into cultural and recreational activities. This included investing much more into the football club whose proceeds were used to provide the worker-players with better living conditions.
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