Category: NDN All-Star Info

NDN All-Stars In The Olympics

Post author By admin
Post date July 27, 2024
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As the world comes together for the 2024 Olympics opening ceremonies, I would like to remind you of some of the amazing Native American athletes who have participated in past Olympic Games. These athletes showed incredible skill and talent and are great examples to Native athletes everywhere.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate their journeys and be inspired by their amazing accomplishments. These athletes remind us that with dreams and determination, anything is possible.

Here are some of the great NDN All-Stars who have participated in the Summer Olympics:

Basketball

Jesse “Cab” Renick (Chickasaw/Choctaw) – Won gold with the U.S. basketball team at the 1948 London Olympics.

Kyrie Irving (Standing Rock Sioux) – Competed in the 2016 Olympics, winning a gold medal with the U.S. basketball team..

Canoe/Kayak

Alwyn Morris (Mohawk) – Competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, winning gold in the K-2 1000m and bronze in the K-2 500m; also competed in the 1988 Seoul Olympics..

Golf

Rickie Fowler (Navajo) – Competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Hockey

Clarence “Taffy” Abel (Ojibwe) – Won Silver in the 1924 Winter Olympics. Was the U.S. Flag bearer.

Judo

Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne) – Competed in judo at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and served as the captain of the U.S. judo team.

Track and Field

Frank Pierce (Seneca) – Competed in the marathon at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics.

Tom Longboat (Onondaga) – Competed in the marathon at the 1908 London Olympics.

Jim Thorpe (Sac & Fox) – Won gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Andrew Sockalexis (Penobscot) – Competed in the marathon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Louis Tewanima (Hopi) – Won a silver medal in the 10,000 meters at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Alex Decoteau (Cree) – Competed in the 5,000 meters at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Benjamin “Joe” Keeper (Cree) – Competed in the 10,000 meters at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, finishing fourth.

Ellison “Tarzan” Brown (Narragansett) – Competed in the marathon at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Wilson “Buster” Charles” (Oneida) – Competed in the decathlon in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, finishing 4th.

Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) – Won gold in the 10,000 meters at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Sharon Day-Monroe (Mohawk) – Competed in track and field events at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

Lolo Jones (Choctaw) – Competed in hurdles at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics..

Volleyball

Jordan Larson (Ho-Chunk) – Accomplished volleyball player with multiple Olympic medals in 2012, 2016, and 2020.

Wrestling

Dan Henderson (Walla Walla) – Competed in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics.

Jacob Deitchler (Ojibwe) – Competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling.

I am sure that there are more, and I am digging around to see who else I can add to this impressive list. If you know of someone I have omitted, please leave me a comment below so I can add them!

Now, let’s cheer on the current participants as we enjoy the spirit of unity and excellence that the Olympic Games bring.

#NDNAllstars #Olympics #track&field #wrestling #judo #running #pentathlon #decathlon

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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BOOK REVIEW – “Chief Bender’s Burden”

Post author By admin
Post date June 22, 2024
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“Chief Bender’s Burden: The Silent Struggle of a Baseball Star” by Tom Swift

When I started reading “Chief Bender’s Burden: The Silent Struggle of a Baseball Star” by Tom Swift, I was immediately drawn into the story of the life of NDN All-Star #5 Charles Albert “Chief” Bender (Ojibwe), a famous baseball pitcher from the early 1900s. The book not only talks about Bender’s amazing baseball career but also about the tough times he faced because of his race and background.

Charles Bender, called “Chief,” (as most Native American ball players at the time were) was a star pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics. The book talks a lot about his pitching skills, his best games, and how he helped his team win. (A little known fact – Chief Bender was the inventor of the Slider – a pitch that is a mainstay in baseball to this day.) But what makes this book special is how it talks about Bender’s life away from baseball. For instance, he was an excellent shot and won many shooting tournaments.

One thing I really liked about the book is how well Tom Swift researched and told Bender’s story. He describes what it was like to be at the baseball games, how the teams worked, and what life was like back then. It made me feel like I was actually there, watching Bender pitch.

As Bender was a Native American, he faced a lot of racism and discrimination. The book shows how hard it was for him to deal with people judging him because of his background instead of his talent. His strength and determination to keep going, even when things were tough, are really inspiring. Bender’s story shows that he was not just a great player but also a strong and brave person.

The book covers Bender’s life from his early days in Minnesota, to his time at Carlisle Industrial School, to his major league career, and his life in baseball after his playing days were over. His Hall of Fame career is well detailed, and his reliability as a clutch pitcher is shown again and again. One great quote that stuck with me about Bender came from none other than Hall of Fame manager Connie Mack, who said: “If everything depended on one game, I just used Albert – the greatest money pitcher of all time.” Swift also describes Bender’s baseball knowledge and intellect when he describes Bender’s time as a coach.

Swift writes in a way that is easy to understand and interesting to read. The book is good for anyone who likes baseball or is interested in American history and social issues. It moves at a good pace, and you can tell that Swift really cares about Bender’s story.

“Chief Bender’s Burden” is a powerful and thought-provoking book. It shines a light on an important but often overlooked figure in baseball history. Tom Swift has written a great tribute to NDN All-Star #5 Charles Bender, and I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an inspiring and educational read.

You can get your own copy of this book here.

#NDNAllstars #ChiefBender #Ojibwe #baseball #bookreview #TomSwift

Thank you for your support!

Chippewa Football NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Stars Firsts

NDN All-Star “FIRSTS” – The First Native American Pro Football Player

Post author By admin
Post date June 19, 2024
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In an earlier “FIRSTS” I talked about the importance of NDN All-Star #4 Louis Sockalexis (Penobscot) and his place in history as the first Native American baseball player.

What about football? There have been a lot of great professional football players with Native American heritage. Players like the immortal Jim Thorpe, Hall of Famer Joe Guyon, Sonny Sixkiller, and more. But – who was the FIRST?

The answer is NDN All-Star #198 George Shelafo (Chippewa). Shelafo holds the unique place in the history of American football as the first Native American to get paid to play the game.

Shelafo started his football career at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, famous for its pioneering football program under legendary coach Pop Warner. The Carlisle football team was known for its innovative strategies and for producing some of the most outstanding players of the time. He played at Carlisle from 1894-1896.

Shelafo took a big step in his football career in 1897 by signing with the Latrobe Athletic Association. Latrobe was the first football team to play an entire season with only professional players, a notable moment in the early days of professional football. David J. Berry, the manager of the Latrobe team, heavily recruited him – even though Shelafo already had plans to attend the University of Chicago that fall.

This was a big decision for Shelafo. In the 1890s, people had mixed feelings about professional football. The sport was becoming popular, especially in working-class areas and was a big deal for local communities, bringing pride and a sense of identity. However, not everyone was happy about it. Some people thought that paying players ruined the “purity of the game,” which was supposed to be about building character and playing fair.

Newspapers wrote a lot about football, but they often focused on the roughness and injuries – so much so that there was a movement to ban football altogether. Taken in that light, Shelafo’s decision to leave college and throw in with a professional team was not the easy decision that it is for players today.

The 1897 season was memorable for Shelafo and the now all professional Latrobe Athletic Association football team. They started the season strong with a 7-0-1 record including victories over the Pittsburgh Emeralds and the Western University of Pennsylvania. Shelafo’s play on the field was a big part of these wins, highlighting his skills and athleticism. Playing in these games, Shelafo and his teammates helped to establish the credibility and competitiveness of professional football teams during that era.

As the first Native American to play football professionally, Shelafo helped pave the way for future generations of Native American athletes. His path from college football at Carlisle to playing professionally for Latrobe is evidence of the talent and determination of Native American players who contributed to the sport of football’s early development.

Shelafo’s pioneering role – while mostly overlooked at the time, draws attention to the influence of Native American athletes in shaping the game of American football. His story is a strong reminder of the rich history of early football and the critical role played by Native American pioneers like NDN All-Star #198 George Shelafo in the development of pro football.

#ndnallstars #georgeshelafo #Chippewa #Carlilsle #Latrobe #FIRSTS

Baseball Cahuilla NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile

NDN All-Star #18 John Tortes Meyers – Just a Cahuilla Catcher from California

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Post date April 18, 2024
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Hey NDN All-Stars fans! Today, let’s dive into the stories history of baseball and explore the remarkable career of NDN All-Star #18 John Tortes Meyers (Cahuilla). You might not have heard his name as often as, say Babe Ruth or Jackie Robinson, but Meyers left an indelible mark on the game, and there’s more to his story than meets the eye.

Born in 1880, John Tortes Meyers, also known as “Chief” Meyers (most Native American ball players in those days were called that), was a standout catcher during the “Deadball Era” of baseball. His journey to the big leagues was nothing short of remarkable. Growing up in California, Meyers discovered his love for baseball at a young age, playing in sandlots with his friends. He played for a number of years in various minor league and semi-pro baseball leagues before he got a break. Little did he know that this passion would lead him to become one of the most respected players of his time.

Meyers’ skill as a catcher quickly caught the attention of baseball scouts, and he made his Major League debut in 1909 with the New York Giants, at the age of 28. His impressive abilities behind the plate and with a bat in hand made him an essential part of the team. Meyers played a crucial role in the Giants’ success during the early 20th century, contributing to their World Series victories in 1911, 1912, and 1913.

(See our earlier blog post about the great book written about the 1911 World Series by our friends Traci Sorell and Arigon Starr.)

As a member of the Cahuilla tribe, Meyers proudly embraced his roots. In an era when diversity in baseball was scarce, Meyers broke barriers and proved that talent knows no cultural or ethnic bounds. He became a source of inspiration for many aspiring players who dreamed of making it to the big leagues.

Off the field, Meyers continued to make a difference. Upon retiring from baseball after his 8 year Major League career, he remained active in his community, working to promote youth sports and education.

As we celebrate the rich tapestry of baseball history, let’s tip our hats to NDN All-Star #18 John Meyers and appreciate the enduring legacy he left for future generations of players and fans alike.

#NDNAllstars #JohnTortesMeyers #Cahuilla #baseball #catcher #NYGiants #MLB

Baseball NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile NDN All-Stars Firsts Penobscot

NDN All-Stars “FIRSTS” – Baseball’s First Indian

Post author By admin
Post date February 9, 2024
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Leading off our NDN All-Stars “FIRSTS” mini-series, I want to talk a little about NDN All-Star #4 Louis Sockalexis (Penobscot). “Sock” broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball a full 50 years before the more celebrated Jackie Robinson, when he played his first Major League game on April 22, 1897.

Sockalexis was a true baseball phenom – hitting, running, fielding – he could do it all better than anyone at that time! After a stellar career in college at Holy Cross and Notre Dame, Sockalexis signed with the Cleveland Spiders.

Sockalexis played brilliantly during his first season and was quickly became a media darling as he traveled around the country, attracting sportswriters and fans wherever he went. However, he also had to endure racist barbs from the opposing teams and the fans in the stands. Despite non-stop heckling and taunts and harassment, “Sock” seemed to take it all with grace and good humor; so much so that after a while, even many of the opposing team’s fans were won over. Through it all, Sockalexis continued to astound baseball fans with his on field accomplishments.

The story of Louis Sockalexis’ baseball career doesn’t end in glory, however. Unfortunately, Sockalexis fell prey to alcoholism, and ended up only playing parts of three major league seasons. After he was released from his major league contract, he played a few more seasons in minor and independent leagues. His last game in organized baseball was for the Lowell Tigers in 1907.

Our first “FIRST” – NDN All-Star #4 Louis Sockalexis was a baseball player like no other, and a true baseball pioneer!

Thanks, “Sock” for making it possible for the rest of the Native Baseball Players to play the game they love at the highest level! Here are some of the NDN All-Stars who have followed NDN All-Star #4 Louis Sockalexis and played baseball in the Majors:

Charles Bender, Ojjibwe

Johnny Bench, Choctaw

Jim Thorpe, Sac & Fox

John Tortes Meyers, Cahuilla

Early Wynn, Cherokee

Zach Wheat, Cherokee

Pepper Martin, Osage

Allie Reynolds, Creek

Jacoby Ellsbury, Navajo

Joba Chamberlin, Winnebago

Kyle Lohse, Nomlaki

“””Indian”” Bob Johnson”, Cherokee

Bobby Madritsch, Lakota

Roy Johnson, Cherokee

Lane Adams, Choctaw

Koda Glover, Cherokee

Moses Yellow Horse, Pawnee

Rudy York, Cherokee

Ed Summers, Kickapoo

“Elon “”Chief”” Hogsett”, Cherokee

Dwight Lowry, Lumbee

Adrian Houser, Cherokee

Ryan Helsley, Cherokee

Dylan Bundy, Cherokee

Jon Gray, Cherokee

Vallie Eaves, Cherokee

Brandon Bailey, Chickasaw

Robbie Ray, Cherokee

Bucky Dent, Cherokee

Gene Locklear, Lumbee

Jayhawk Owens, Cherokee

Euel Moore, Chickasaw

Louis Bruce, Mohawk

Louis Leroy, Mohican

Anthony Seigler, Navajo

Darrell Evans, Yavapai

Jim Bluejacket, Cherokee

#ndnallstars #louissockalexis #baseball #MLB #cleveland #Penobscot #FIRSTS

Basketball Cherokee NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile

NDN All-Star #15 Angel Goodrich (Cherokee) – A Trailblazer on the Basketball Court

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Post date November 15, 2023
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Hey there, sports fans! Today, let’s talk about the incredible NDN All-Star #15 Angel Goodrich (Cherokee) – a powerhouse in the world of women’s basketball. Angel has not only left her mark on the court with her amazing skills but has also made history as a proud representative of her Cherokee heritage.

Angel’s journey in basketball began at a young age, fueled by her passion for the game. Growing up, she honed her skills at Sequoyah High School in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she was the first Division I athletic scholarship recipient in the school’s history. During her 4 years at the Cherokee-operated school, she lettered in basketball, softball and track and field, and earned All-State honors as a sprinter. She also led the school’s basketball team, the Sequoyah Lady Indians, to three consecutive Class AAA state titles.

Her dedication paid off when she played college basketball at the University of Kansas. There, she showcased her exceptional talent as a point guard, leading her team to numerous victories and earning accolades for her outstanding performance. She was recognized nationally for her abilities and accomplishments by being voted as a finalist for the Naismith Award, Wade Trophy, Wooden Award, Nancy Lieberman Award, and the USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale Award.

After making a name for herself in college, Angel took her skills to the professional level in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Her time in the league was nothing short of remarkable. As a point guard for the Tulsa Shock (now Dallas Wings) and the Seattle Storm, Angel dazzled fans with her lightning-fast moves, precise passes, and clutch plays. Her tenacity on the court made her a fan favorite and solidified her place as one of the standout players in the WNBA.

What makes Angel Goodrich even more special is her strong connection to her Cherokee heritage. As a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, Angel has embraced and celebrated her roots, becoming a role model for young athletes with indigenous backgrounds. She has not only excelled in her sport but has also used her platform to promote awareness and appreciation for Native American cultures.

In a world where diversity is celebrated, NDN All-Star #15 Angel Goodrich stands out as a trailblazer, breaking barriers and inspiring others with her remarkable journey. From her early days shooting hoops in her hometown to making waves in the WNBA, Angel’s story is one of resilience, passion, and cultural pride. As we cheer for athletes on the court, let’s also celebrate the unique stories and backgrounds that make them the extraordinary individuals they are. Angel – thank you for being a true inspiration both on and off the basketball court!

#NDNAllstars #AngelGoodrich #Cherokee #basketball #WNBA #TulsaShock #SeattleStorm

Football NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile

The Oorang Indians: Breaking Barriers and Changing the Game

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Post date August 18, 2023
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Hey there, NDN All-Stars fans! Today, let’s take a trip back in time to the fascinating world of football in the 1920s. You might have heard of legendary teams like the Packers and the Bears, but have you ever heard about the Oorang Indians? These guys weren’t just a football team; they were trailblazers who changed the game and broke down cultural barriers along the way.

Imagine a time when football was still finding its footing on the professional stage. The year was 1922, and the Oorang Indians burst onto the scene like a whirlwind. Hailing from LaRue, Ohio, this team was special – made up entirely of Native American players – Cherokee, Mohawk, Chippewa, Blackfeet, Winnebago, Mission, Caddo, Flathead, Sac and Fox, Seneca, and Penobscot to list a few represented tribes. Led by the charismatic NDN All-Star #1 Jim Thorpe (Sac & Fox) – a true sports legend – the Oorang Indians brought their unique skills and culture to the field, catching the attention of football fans across the nation.

Now, let’s talk about impact. The Oorang Indians weren’t just about playing football; they were about making a statement. In an era where racial prejudice was sadly prevalent, these athletes showed the world that talent and determination knew no boundaries. By showcasing their skills on the football field, they shattered stereotypes and challenged the status quo, paving the way for a more diverse future in professional sports.

But it wasn’t just about playing the game. The Oorang Indians did something nobody had seen before. They brought their culture center stage, performing halftime shows that celebrated Native American traditions. From dances to showcasing their impressive hunting skills, these shows captivated audiences and gave people a chance to learn and appreciate a culture they might not have been familiar with.

The legacy of the Oorang Indians lives on in the history of football. They might not have won championships, but they won hearts and minds. Their courage to stand up against discrimination and showcase their heritage left an indelible mark. As the years went by, their influence helped pave the way for more diversity in professional sports, making it clear that the field is a place for everyone, regardless of where they come from.

So, the next time you’re watching a football game, take a moment to appreciate the Oorang Indians’ trailblazing spirit. They didn’t just play football; they tackled prejudice, they intercepted stereotypes, and they scored big for diversity. Their story reminds us that sports are about more than just winning – they’re about breaking down barriers and inspiring change.

Find out more about the Oorang Indians in this great book:

Walter Lingo, Jim Thorpe, and the Oorang Indians: How a Dog Kennel Owner Created the NFL’s Most Famous Traveling Team

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, check out the NDN All-Stars Podcast for interviews with some of our NDN All-Star team members! If you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.
Thank you for your support!

Baseball NDN All-Star Info Ojibwe

Cool new Children’s Book!!!

Post author By admin
Post date May 16, 2023
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Just came across some information about a cool new children’s book featuring the first World Series NDN All-Star face-off ever!

The book “Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series” – written by Traci Sowell and illustrated by Arigon Starr, tells the true story of NDN All-Star #5 Charles Albert “Chief” Bender (Ojibwe) and NDN All-Star #18 John Tortes Meyers (Cahuilla) and their meeting in the 1911 World Series between Bender’s Philadelphia A’s and Meyers’ New York Giants.

I haven’t read it yet, but as soon as my copy gets here, I will update this blog post with my thoughts.

Have you read this book? Leave a comment and tell me what you thought! I know – it’s a KIDS book! But it’s a KIDS book about NDN ALL-STARS!!!

#NDNAllstars #ChiefBender #WorldSeries #JohnTortesMeyers #ChildrensBook #TraciSowell #ArigonStarr #MLB #Ojibwe #Cahuilla

Football NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile

The Carlisle Indians – A Football Dynasty

Post author By admin
Post date May 9, 2023
2 Comments on The Carlisle Indians – A Football Dynasty

In this blog post, I want to change up a little bit and – instead of focusing on one individual athlete, I would like to talk about one the most influential football programs in the storied history of the gridiron.

And, while the tragedies that came along with the whole Indian Boarding School concept (and there were countless horrible things that occurred at those institutions) are still being uncovered, this post is about one of the more positive outcomes from that failed social experiment.

A lot has been written about the Carlisle Indians, Jim Thorpe, Pop Warner and more, and deservedly so. What was created at Carlisle when you view things through a sports program lens, the accomplishments of the teams from Carlisle are astounding!

Instead of me rehashing a lot of facts and statistics, I would like to point you to some books written by a lot smarter people than me who have researched and dug and discovered all the great information we want to know about Carlisle football.

Check these out:

“Gridiron Gypsies” by Dr. Tom Benjey

“The Real All-Americans” by Sally Jenkins

“Carlisle vs Army” by Lars Anderson

There are many more books about some of the athletes who attended and played at Carlisle – Jim Thorpe, Chief Bender, Joe Guyon, Albert Exendine – the list goes on. I will talk about some of those when I post about the individuals.

If you have a favorite book about the football program at Carlisle Industrial School, leave a comment and tell me which one and why. I would love to hear about it.

And – in celebration of the Carlisle Industrial School and their dominant football team, here is the Carlisle School March. (Imagine if the band played this after every touchdown like colleges do with their Fight Songs today… the band would be exhausted!)

#NDNAllstars #CarlisleFootball #JimThorpe #PopWarner

Boxing Cherokee NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile

NDN All-Star #6 – Jack Dempsey (Cherokee)

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Post date February 16, 2023
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I selected Jack Dempsey (Cherokee) for the NDN All-Stars team because – he was the best and toughest boxer of the first half of the 20^th Century, and the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World for SEVEN YEARS!

There have been a lot of books written about NDN All-Star #6 Jack Dempsey (Cherokee) so there are tons of resources where you can find out more about his life and his boxing career. I will provide a short list of some of the books that I have read below. His story of growing up in poverty and having to fight in bars and back alleys to earn food money gives you an idea of the determination he had to make it to the top.

And on July 4, 1919 – in Toledo, OH, he did just that. Dempsey shocked the world when he savagely beat the reigning Heavyweight Champion Jess Willard into submission. The extent of the beating cannot be exaggerated. Willard’s face was a bloody pulp, he lost teeth, and had his jaw and facial bones broken. You can see the actual fight here.

After boxing, Jack Dempsey became a successful business man and restaurant owner. He also dabbled in acting, making a few movies in Hollywood.

NDN All-Star #6 Jack Dempsey’s legacy and impact on the sport of boxing lives on today. His fighting style is studied and emulated by current fighters of all weight classes. Former Heavyweight Champion “Iron” Mike Tyson has said many times that his ultimate boxing hero – and the fighter that he tried most to emulate – is Jack Dempsey.

What greater compliment can you get?

NDN All-Star #6 Jack Dempsey (Cherokee) is certainly deserving of a spot on the NDN All-Stars roster.