Introduction: Native American Major Leaguers
This article was written by Rob Daugherty
This article was published in Native American Major Leaguers (2025)
In the early days of baseball, Native players were often identified not by their actual heritage but by perceived facial features or stereotypes. The label “Chief” was frequently used by opponents, fans, management, teammates, and coaches alike. Far from honoring the players, the term was an appropriation and caricature, and was perpetuated by the sportswriters to garner sensationalized headlines. This practice was not meant to respect Native Americans; rather it reduced them to stereotypes.
I encountered similar attitudes firsthand while playing college ball in the early 1970s. Fortunately, the open name-calling has diminished over time, but the use of monikers and caricatures still continues. At a community leaders conference hosted by the Cherokee Nation, I had the privilege of introducing my friend and fellow Haskell alumnus Mr. Billy Mills – a proud Citizen of the Lakota Sioux from Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Billy Mills was a gold medalist in the 10,000-meter race in the 1964 Olympics in Japan. I asked him in a conversation about the use of the term “Chief” and other stereotypical names our Native athletes have been called over the years. Billy, with his characteristic grace, smiled and replied, “You don’t mind being known as an Indian, but you don’t want it to be your whole identity.” I had come across that quote in a book before, but having Billy say it in person made the moment – and the message – all the more meaningful.
I have always known that several Native ballplayers made their mark in major-league baseball, and over the years I casually sought out their cards and memorabilia. Whenever I was asked to speak or emcee at Native events, I’d share a bit about my collection and research, highlighting players from the Tribe or Nation connected to the community I was visiting. To my surprise, very few were familiar with the names I would mention. It quickly became clear to me that this history wasn’t being shared – and it needed to be.
What began as a personal interest to correct a misnomer in baseball turned into a focused mission. By that I mean to make the sports world aware that the very first person to break the color barrier in the major leagues was in fact a Native American named Louis Sockalexis from the Penobscot Tribe in Maine. That was in 1897 with the Cleveland Spiders. The requests for presentations started increasing, and soon media inquiries followed. When asked to provide proof for my talks, I began organizing my collection into a formal exhibit, showcasing the 28 Native men who made it to the major leagues 50 years prior to Mr. Jackie Robinson. I continue to travel across the country searching for more cards and photos, and artifacts tied to these Indigenous icons. This journey has been more than a hobby; it’s a deeply rewarding experience – one that only those driven by passion for history and heritage can truly understand. Sadly, many of those 28 Native players are overlooked by sports media and rarely mentioned. Some played for many seasons but many played for a season, a month, or, in some cases, just a single game. When people questioned the legitimacy of these players, it only fueled my determination to shine the light on these sports heroes whose stories have long gone untold. This is why it matters to me. Someone needs to tell their story. And I intend to make sure it’s heard.
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After becoming aware of the Society for American Baseball Research and eventually joining the organization, I began exploring research conducted by other SABR members, specifically Native and those who played between 1897 and 1947. I discovered that some research had already been done. I was fortunate to connect with Mr. Bill Nowlin, a sitting board member of SABR. He was very helpful and encouraging as I delved deeper into my effort to document and research Native major-league baseball players. Our correspondence quickly became regular and it eventually led to co-editing a book – Native American Major Leaguers – that focused on Native Americans in major-league baseball. As my research expanded beyond 1947, I remained committed to verifying tribal affiliations of these players using the same application process I had applied to the earlier group of players. This application ensures that the consistency and the integrity and accuracy of the research are maintained throughout.
CRITERIA
From the very start of my research, the established process to verify and authenticate the identities of Native ballplayers was by contacting the enrollment and registration offices of their respective Tribes. The initial publication of this project was made possible through a grant from two Tribes, the Cherokee Nation and the Chickasaw Nation, both from Oklahoma. The grant involved the use of federal funding; as a result, it was necessary to include only those players who were enrolled citizens of federally recognized Tribes, as listed by the Office of Federal Acknowledgement in the Bureau of Indian Affairs, part of the US Department of the Interior.
There are former major-league players whose names are associated with Native heritage, but do not meet the established criteria for inclusion in this book. One example is Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds. While Bench is Choctaw by blood, he is not officially enrolled, but is certainly eligible. As such, he does not meet the enrollment-based standards required for inclusion. There are Dwight Lowry, a former player for the Tigers and the Twins, and Gene Locklear, a former player for the Reds, Padres, and the Yankees. Both are from the Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina. The Lumbee are actively seeking full federal recognition. Currently, the Lumbee are recognized in North Carolina as a state recognized Tribe. In 1956 the US Congress passed the Lumbee Act, recognizing Lumbees as being Native Americans, but denying the benefits of a federally recognized Tribe.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Throughout this project, I was fortunate to receive support from many individuals – far too many to name them all. However, there are several whose special contributions kick-started my work. First and foremost, my family. Kelly, with her computer navigation skills, and to BC and Jay who always from the beginning helped me sort and catalog my collection. You each tolerated the countless boxes of cards lining the hallways and into your closets. Special thanks to Catherine Foreman Gray, who was the first to ask me to make a presentation on this work. To Dr. Gourd, for the idea of an exhibit. Deep gratitude to Tonya Hogner-Weavel, who took charge to curate my entire collection at the Cherokee Heritage Center that brought my vision to life. I am also grateful to Nathan Rueckert and Ethan Bryan for selecting my story for their publication and connecting me with Matt Strahm of the Philadelphia Phillies, who kindly featured me on his show on Bally Sports, a national syndicated production.
A heartfelt thanks to Bill Nowlin, whose guidance and encouragement have been instrumental throughout this project. And finally, to many friends, colleagues, and supporters who discussed this work with me or offered kind words to keep me going forward – I say WaDo!
To Bo, Callie, Cassidy, Uncle Curt, Dave, Donetta, Hunter, James, Jason, Joaquin, Joe, John, Lin, Matt, Molly, Paul, Ron, Tammy, Thomas, Todd, Travis, Cherokee Nation, Cherokee Phoenix, Chickasaw Nation, NCAI, 97.1 Sports Animal, the Tulsa Drillers and the Tulsa World.
WADO, SGI, THANK YOU!!!
ROB DAUGHERTY is an Enrolled Citizen of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. Rob is a retired educator from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and most recently from the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. A graduate of Haskell Indian Nations University. He has been a lifelong geek fan of Baseball, having played and coached collegiately. His passion for Native baseball players has evolved into one of the largest collections of Native American baseball cards. Focused exclusively on Indigenous players prior to 1947. Through extensive research 28 have been verified as Natives who played in what is now MLB from the years 1897 to 1947. Rob is a huge, huge Yankees fan.