They're the Mets. Since snakes aren't seen much in Manhattan, or even in the outer boroughs like Queens, where the Mets play, I'd have to say the city slickers would be pretty terrified. Perhaps full of advice from the movies about remaining motionless to prevent a strike and sucking out the venom if bitten, but basically useless. This one's simple. An armed militia that helped defend Texas's right to exist as an independent state in the 19th century vs. Americans from New England and the north.
Baseball is a team sport and rewards collective action.
Let's also not forget that Texas lent its name to that weakest of fly balls, the Texas leaguer. Older team names seem to emphasize the sartorial element of baseball over the aggressive qualities suggested by fierce animals or people. Red Sox, White Sox, Red Legs, Homestead Grays. When they were in Boston and named the Rustlers, they were bought by a New Yorker who fancied himself a political 'brave' and so gave the team this moniker. So, the name is linked with back-room maneuvering and political brinkmanship at least as much as it is with brave Indian warriors.