Month: June 2025

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Baseball Choctaw NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile

NDN All-Star #10 Johnny Bench Rewrote How to Play Catcher

NDN All-Star #10 Johnny Bench (Choctaw)By Bill Black | NDN All-Stars Blog

The Greatest Catcher of All Time? The Game Still Says Yes

When you grow up watching baseball, you hear a lot of names tossed around as “the greatest.” But when it comes to catchers, there’s not much debate — it’s NDN All-Star #10 Johnny Bench (Choctaw). And after reading Gordon Wittenmyer’s recent deep dive article “Why greatest catcher in MLB history Johnny Bench ‘didn’t reach the level I could have'” for the Cincinnati Enquirer, I was reminded why that’s the case. If you haven’t read the article yet, make the time. It’s a full-circle look at how Bench didn’t just play the position — he reshaped it.

Bench Transformed the Catcher’s Mitt — and the Catching Mindset

Bench was already a star by 19. Rookie of the Year. Gold Gloves. MVPs. But what stood out most to me in this article wasn’t the stat line — it was how he changed the tools of the trade. After taking a couple of brutal foul tips off the thumb, Bench decided enough was enough. He pulled most of the padding out of his mitt, switched to a hinged glove, and started catching one-handed with his throwing hand tucked safely behind him. What seems standard today was revolutionary then — and not always welcomed.

Spoiler alert: he didn’t ruin catching. He made it better.

A Generation of Catchers Followed His Lead

The article walks through how guys like Bruce Bochy, Bob Melvin, and Dan Wilson all patterned their games — or their mental approach — after Bench. And it’s no exaggeration. Melvin even admitted he couldn’t hear the scouting report before his first big league start because Johnny Bench had just walked into the room.

A Health Scare Changed His Path — But Not His Greatness

What really hit me, and what separates this story from just a glowing career retrospective, is the moment things changed for Johnny. At the peak of his powers in 1972, doctors found a lesion on his lung. Back then, there was no non-invasive way to check if it was cancer. So they cut into him — a massive chest surgery, through muscle, bone, and nerves. The lesion was benign, but the damage was done. Bench said it himself: “It was never Johnny Bench anymore.”

Still, what he did after the surgery would be a full Hall of Fame career for most. More All-Star Games. More Gold Gloves. A World Series MVP. Four more 100-RBI seasons. He never let the surgery define him, even if it changed the path.

Personal Tragedies Forged His Mindset

The article also touches on the personal side — the tragedies and close calls that shaped who he became. A bus crash in high school that killed teammates. A near-fatal head-on collision with a drunk driver. These moments gave him a sense of perspective early on. “Life happens. And life doesn’t happen,” he said. That quiet strength carried into everything he did — on and off the field.

A Leader On the Field and in the Clubhouse

Sparky Anderson saw it too. As a first-year manager in 1970, he pulled Bench into leadership right away — not just in the clubhouse, but in game decisions. Bench, Perez, Morgan, and Rose became the core of what we now know as the Big Red Machine. But it was Bench who set the tone. “If we were on the field, they had to be on the field,” he said.

His Influence on Catchers Still Shows Up Today

And to this day, catchers are still walking the path he laid down. From the stance, to the gear, to the mindset — it all traces back to him. Melvin still remembers missing the scouting report in his MLB debut because he couldn’t stop staring at Bench. Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson has his jersey framed. And you can still find young kids wearing a Rawlings Johnny Bench model glove, like it’s 1975.

Johnny Bench Built a Bridge for the Future

Wittenmyer ends the piece with a moment that says it all. Bench quotes an old poem about a man who builds a bridge — not for himself, but for the ones who come after him. He says, “I built a good bridge.” And he did. Not just for catchers, not just for Reds fans — but for all of us who watched, learned, and dreamed a little bigger because of the way he played.

I was one of those kids. I started out playing ball on the Rez with no idea that Bench was Native too. I just knew he played the game like no one else — confident, smart, and built for the moment. Finding out later that he was Choctaw? That just made the bridge he built feel even more solid.

NDN All-Star #10 Johnny Bench might say he never reached his full potential. But for the rest of us? He gave us more than enough.

 

Bill Black, founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr. (Quah-Lee-Lah).
Bill Black(l), founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr.

Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present.  He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.

#NDNAllstars #JohnnyBench #Choctaw #baseball #MLB #Cincinnati #Reds #HallofFame

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!

Categories
Hockey NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile Ojibwe Olympics

NDN All-Star #20 Henry Boucha: The Electric Indian

NDN All-Star #20 Henry Boucha (Ojibwe)

NDN All-Star #20 Henry Boucha: The Electric Indian

For kids growing up in Minnesota, hockey was everywhere. Cold winters, frozen ponds, and local rinks were part of daily life. But for Native kids, it was rare to see someone who looked like them playing at the highest levels. That’s why NDN All-Star #20 Henry Boucha (Ojibwe) meant so much. He wasn’t just a great player—he was NATIVE!

Henry Boucha was Ojibwe, from Warroad, Minnesota—a small town with a huge hockey tradition. Warroad has produced NHL players before, but Henry stood out from the start. He was a star at Warroad High School, leading his team to the 1969 state championship game. People still talk about how dominant he was that year. Fast, skilled, and fearless—he played both defense and forward, and his intensity lit up the rink. That’s how he earned the nickname “The Electric Indian.”

After high school, Henry joined the U.S. National Team and played in the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan. He helped Team USA bring home the silver medal. That alone would have made for a proud career—but Henry was just getting started.

Later that year, he joined the NHL after being drafted 16th overall by the Detroit Red Wings. He made an instant impact. I remember watching clips of his early games—his skating, his puck control, and his signature red headband made him stand out. He scored a goal in his very first game and was named Detroit’s Rookie of the Year.

Henry later played for the Minnesota North Stars and Kansas City Scouts, but his best NHL days were probably with the Red Wings. He had speed, strength, and a style of play that was exciting to watch. And for Native fans, seeing that headband flying down the ice made everyone proud.

But like too many stories, his playing career was cut short. In 1975, during a game with the North Stars, Boucha took a high stick to the eye. The injury was serious, and even though he tried to return, his vision never fully recovered. He was only 24. The game lost a star, and we lost someone who was just hitting his stride.

Still, Henry didn’t fade away. After retiring, he went through some hard times, but eventually found strength by reconnecting with his Ojibwe heritage. He became an advocate for Native youth and worked to bring attention to Native issues. He spoke out, gave back, and kept showing up for his community.

In 1995, he was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. For me, that felt like long-overdue recognition. He’d already earned the respect of fans, players, and coaches. But that honor made it official—Henry Boucha was one of the greats.

Henry passed away in 2023 at the age of 72. Even though his NHL career was short, his impact was long-lasting. He opened doors and created a path for Native players who came after him. Names like NDN All-Star #57 Jordin Tootoo (Inuit), NDN All-Star #36 T.J. Oshie (Ojibwe), and NDN All-Star #19 Ethan Bear (Cree/Ochowapace) all followed in footsteps that Henry helped carve out.

What makes Henry Boucha unforgettable isn’t just his stats or even his nickname—it’s how he carried himself. He played hard, stood tall, and never hid who he was. For Native kids who loved hockey, he was proof that Native players belonged out there!

So yeah, I’ll always remember NDN All-Star #20 Henry Boucha—the Electric Indian—not just for what he did on the ice, but for what he meant to the game, and to us.

 

Bill Black, founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr. (Quah-Lee-Lah).
Bill Black(l), founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr.

Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present.  He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.

#NDNAllstars #HenryBoucha #Ojibwe #hockey #NHL #RedWings #NorthStars #Scouts

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!

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NDN All-Star Info Okanagan Rodeo Video Archeology

VIDEO ARCHEOLOGY: Hard Rider

NDN All-Stars "Video Archeology" Movie Of The Week graphic“Hard Rider” Featuring NDN All-Star Kenny McLean (Syilx/Okanagan)

Every once in a while, I come across a film that stops me in my tracks. One that makes me sit down, pay attention, and really take in the story of one of our Native legends. That’s exactly what happened when I watched Hard Rider, a 1972 documentary about NDN All-Star #217 Kenny McLean (Syilx/Okanagan) , a champion rodeo cowboy.

Now, I’ve seen a bit of rodeo footage over the years, and I’ve heard plenty of stories about great Native riders. But this one’s different. This isn’t just some highlight reel. Hard Rider gives us a real window into the life of a quiet legend—someone who didn’t need to brag or show off, because his riding did all the talking.

The film was produced by the National Film Board of Canada, and it follows Kenny as he travels the rodeo circuit—from the dusty arenas of Texas all the way back to the open fields of Alberta. You see him compete in bronco riding, calf roping, and steer wrestling, all with the kind of skill that only comes from years of hard work, focus, and natural talent. He makes it look effortless, but you can tell there’s nothing easy about what he’s doing.

What I appreciated most is that Hard Rider doesn’t just stay in the arena. It also takes you into Kenny’s world back home. You see him on his ranch in British Columbia with his wife and young son. You see him feeding horses, walking through the fields, and just being a dad. That part really hit me. It reminded me that behind every champion, there’s a full human being—someone who has responsibilities, dreams, and a life outside of the spotlight.

Kenny McLean wasn’t the kind of guy chasing fame. He wasn’t loud or flashy. He was grounded. The film shows him as someone who took pride in what he did, and who carried himself with calm confidence. That’s a powerful thing to see, especially when it’s paired with his unbelievable talent in the rodeo ring.

The soundtrack of Hard Rider also stands out. You hear music from Doc Watson, Merle Watson, and Buddy Red-Bow, and it all blends together to create this kind of timeless Western vibe. It’s the kind of music that matches the mood of the film—laid back, but full of heart. It doesn’t try to hype you up. It just lets you settle in and take it all in, which feels just right for a story like Kenny’s.

Kenny was more than just a great cowboy. He was a true professional, winning national and international championships, and earning the respect of everyone he rode against. He was known for being one of the most versatile cowboys of his era, and he represented Native excellence every time he stepped into the arena. He brought honor to his Syilx/Okanagan roots and opened doors for future Native riders without ever needing to say a word about it.

That’s part of why I started this “Video Archeology” series—to find and share these kinds of films, to bring attention to the Native athletes who’ve made history but haven’t always gotten the spotlight they deserve. Kenny McLean is an NDN All-Star, no doubt about it, and Hard Rider is one of the best ways to get to know him.

If you’re into rodeo, or if you just like seeing Native athletes do what they do best, this film is definitely worth your time. And even if rodeo isn’t usually your thing, I’d still recommend it. It’s just under 60 minutes long, and it gives you a full sense of who Kenny was—on the horse, in the arena, and at home with his family. That kind of well-rounded look is rare.

I’m really glad I found this one, and I think you will be too. It’s the kind of film that sticks with you. NDN All-Star #217 Kenny McLean may not have sought out the spotlight, but thanks to Hard Rider, we get to ride alongside him—and that’s something special.

Watch “Hard Rider” here!

 

Bill Black, founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr. (Quah-Lee-Lah).
Bill Black(l), founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr.

Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present.  He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.

#NDNAllstars #KennyMcClean #Okanagan #rodeo #NHL #Capitals #Canucks #Oilers  #defenseman

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!

Categories
Cree Hockey NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile Ochopawace

NDN All-Star #19 Ethan Bear: Pride on the Ice

NDN All-Star #129 Ethan Bear (Cree/Ochopawace)

NDN All-Star #19 Ethan Bear

As a lifelong sports fan, I’ve always paid close attention when a Native athlete makes it to the big leagues. For me, seeing NDN All-Star #19 Ethan Bear (Cree/Ochopawace) take the ice in the NHL was a significant moment. It meant a lot—not just because of his talent, but because of what he represents.

Ethan Bear is from the Ochapowace Nation in Saskatchewan, and he grew up playing hockey just like a lot of kids in Canada. Hockey has always been a huge part of life in the north, and while it’s still not an easy road for Native players, hockey has actually had more Indigenous representation over the years than many other major sports. From early players like NDN All-Star #22 Fred Sasakamoose (Ahtakakoop Cree) to modern names like NDN All-Star #48 Carey Price (Dahelh), the NHL has quietly had a stronger presence of Native athletes than people often realize. That’s part of what makes Ethan’s story so important—he’s carrying on a long, proud tradition.

He played junior hockey with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League, where he quickly became one of the most solid defensemen in the league. I remember reading about how he could control the puck, take smart shots from the blue line, and hold his ground under pressure. Scouts noticed, too. The Edmonton Oilers drafted him in 2015, 124th overall. That might not sound like a top pick, but he earned his shot and made it count.

Ethan made his NHL debut with the Oilers in 2018. Seeing a Native player out there, wearing that jersey, skating with confidence—it meant something. And then in 2020, during an exhibition game, he wore his jersey with his name spelled in Cree syllabics. That wasn’t just a cool detail. That was pride, front and center.

Since his debut, Ethan has played for several NHL teams, including the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vancouver Canucks. As of now, he’s skating with the Washington Capitals. Along the way, he’s had to deal with some things most players don’t—ignorant remarks online, and a lack of recognition for what it means to carry your culture into a game that doesn’t always highlight it. But Ethan hasn’t backed down. He’s spoken up, stayed steady, and kept showing up.

One thing I really admire is how he carries his heritage with him. He has his name written in Cree syllabics on his hockey sticks. It’s not loud or flashy, but it’s meaningful. It’s there during every practice, every game—a quiet but steady reminder of who he is and where he comes from.

Ethan Bear is more than just a defenseman. He’s part of a legacy of Native players in the NHL who’ve made their presence felt, even if the league hasn’t always made a big deal about it. He’s also a role model for Native youth who dream about playing at the highest level. He reminds us that our stories belong in every sport—even ones like hockey, where Native athletes have been present for decades, even if we not always seen.

Watching Ethan play reminds me that pride, identity, and community matter just as much as stats and trophies. His career is still going, and I’m excited to see what’s next for him.

But even now, I can already say this—NDN All-Star #19 Ethan Bear has made his mark. And for a fan of Native American athletes like me, he’s someone we’ll always root for.

 

Bill Black, founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr. (Quah-Lee-Lah).
Bill Black(l), founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr.

Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present.  He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.

#NDNAllstars #EthanBear #Cree #Ochopawace #hockey #NHL #Capitals #Canucks #Oilers  #defenseman

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!