NDN All-Stars - Celebrating Great Native American Athletes of the Past and Present

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

This week, October 18–24, we're revisiting some remarkable moments in Native American sports history.

Tom Longboat announces his arrival on the Canadian distance-running scene. Jim Thorpe powers Carlisle to victories on the football field. Billy Mills returns to Olympic competition just seven days after his historic gold medal. Jim Plunkett leads the Oakland Raiders past the defending Super Bowl champions, and Henry Armstrong continues an extraordinary stretch of world title defenses.

We'll also revisit milestones and championships involving Bucky Dent, Rickie Fowler, Reggie Leach, Grant Fuhr, Gabby Lemieux, Cody Jesus, and many more.

Seven days. Generations of athletes. Stories worth telling.

This Week in NDN All-Stars History — promoting great Native athletes, past and present!

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

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.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sports History Network Theme Song

This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

It's the final lap of the Olympic ten thousand meters in Tokyo. An American runner is surrounded by the best distance runners in the world, including the world-record holder. Nobody expects him to win. What happens next becomes one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history!

This week in NDN All-Stars History, October 11–17, we're heading back to Tokyo in 1964 for Billy Mills' unforgettable Olympic victory.

But that's just one of the stories!

Johnny Bench delivers dramatic postseason home runs for the Cincinnati Reds. Bucky Dent helps lead the New York Yankees to World Series glory. Willie Stargell produces championship-winning moments for the Pittsburgh Pirates. And Brett Favre reaches two extraordinary NFL passing milestones.

We'll also visit Ellison "Tarzan" Brown's remarkable back-to-back marathon victories, Jim Plunkett's comeback with the Oakland Raiders, Bryan Trottier's first NHL hat trick, and big performances from Dak Prescott, Keenan Allen, and many more NDN All-Stars.

From baseball diamonds and football fields to hockey arenas, boxing rings, and Olympic tracks, it's another full week of remarkable Native American sports history.

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

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.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sports History Network Theme Song

This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

World Series heroics, golf championships, football history, NHL breakthroughs and more fill this week in NDN All-Stars History.

From Rudy York making the St. Louis Cardinals regret walking Ted Williams, to Tiger Woods adding more championships to his incredible career, Jim Thorpe and the Oorang Indians earning franchise history, and Charles Bender dominating the World Series mound, we travel through more than a century of great Native athletes and unforgettable sports moments from October 4 through October 10.

Rudy York and his World Series heroics

Tiger Woods winning on the PGA Tour and World Golf Championships stage

Jim Thorpe, Joe Guyon and Elmer Busch helping the Oorang Indians earn their first NFL victory

Charles Bender making World Series history

Jordin Tootoo becoming the first Inuk to play in the NHL

George Armstrong beginning his historic run as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs

Rickie Fowler earning his first professional golf victory

Pepper Martin starring in World Series history

Bucky Dent delivering in postseason baseball

Jack Jacobs rewriting Canadian football passing records

Sonny Sixkiller becoming one of college football’s most visible stars

Nicco Montaño winning her first major professional MMA championship

Jim Plunkett leading Stanford past USC

And many more moments from Native sports history

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

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.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sports History Network Theme Song

This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

This week in NDN All-Stars History takes us from early professional football and championship boxing to unforgettable moments in baseball, lacrosse, hockey, golf, and more.

Bucky Dent delivers one of the most famous home runs in baseball history. Jim Thorpe leads the all-Native Oorang Indians into their first NFL game. Johnny Bench and Willie Stargell each close legendary Major League careers with hits in their final plate appearances.

We also look back at Charles Bender clinching a pennant, Jack Jacobs doing just about everything on a football field, Virgil Hill returning to the top of the boxing world, Janee’ Kassanavoid celebrating a historic season back home with the Comanche Nation, Ryan Helsley setting a Cardinals saves record, and much more.

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

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.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sports History Network Theme Song

This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Native athletes helped shape the world of sports, and this week brings another packed chapter of NDN All-Stars history.

Joe Louis delivers knockout wins over Bob Pastor, Al Ettore and Max Baer. Jack Dempsey steps into the legendary “Long Count Fight” against Gene Tunney and adds two more bouts to his remarkable career. Henry Armstrong scores a pair of early-round knockouts, while Orville Moody wins his second straight Korea Open golf title.

We also revisit Sonny Sixkiller signing with the Philadelphia Bell, Wes Welker’s huge games for New England, Ryan Helsley throwing 104 miles per hour and tying the Cardinals’ single-season saves record, Jim Thorpe playing his final Major League Baseball game, Lyle Thompson going first overall in the National Lacrosse League Draft, and Marvin Camel adding two more victories to his boxing career.

Then, on September 26, Madison Hammond makes professional soccer history with OL Reign, becoming the first Indigenous player to appear in the National Women’s Soccer League.

From boxing and football to baseball, golf, lacrosse, auto racing and soccer, it’s another week of great Native athletes making sports history.

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

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.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sports History Network Theme Song

This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

This episode highlights memorable moments in Native sports history that occurred between September 13 and September 19.

Jack Dempsey survives being knocked out of the ring before defeating Luis Ángel Firpo in one of boxing’s most famous championship fights. Jim Thorpe becomes the first president of the American Professional Football Association, which later becomes the NFL. Sonny Sixkiller breaks Washington’s single-game total-offense record in his first varsity start, then delivers another remarkable performance against Purdue one year later.

The episode also features Aidan Thomas winning the New Mexico Open in his professional golf debut, Johnny Bench hitting the final home run of his Major League career, Willie Stargell beginning his Hall of Fame journey, and victories by Henry Armstrong, Joe Louis, Hunter Azure, Sam Bradford, Jim Plunkett, and Tommy Morrison.

TOPICS COVERED

• Henry Armstrong’s victories over Max Tarley, Alton Black, Leo Rodak, Aldo Spoldi, and Johnny DeFoe
• Early Wynn’s Major League debut with the Washington Senators
• Angel Goodrich’s first career WNBA double-double
• Jack Dempsey’s legendary heavyweight title defense against Luis Ángel Firpo
• Orville Moody winning the inaugural Korean Open
• Chuck Norris at the inaugural World Professional Karate Championships
• Hunter Azure’s successful UFC debut
• Willie Stargell’s Major League debut
• Jim Thorpe becoming the first president of the APFA
• Joe Guyon’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Johnny Bench’s final career home run and Cincinnati Reds statue
• Aidan Thomas winning the New Mexico Open in his professional debut
• Joe Louis knocking out Tami Mauriello
• Sonny Sixkiller’s record-setting Washington performances
• Sam Bradford’s Minnesota Vikings debut
• Roy Tyner competing in NASCAR’s Grand National Series
• Jim Plunkett’s NFL debut and upset victory over Oakland
• Tommy Morrison’s thirty-seven-second knockout of David Jaco

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

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.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

This week in NDN All-Stars History takes us from the earliest days of professional baseball to the modern WNBA.

Louis Sockalexis completes his final full professional season. Jack Dempsey fights Willie Meehan to a second consecutive draw. Henry Armstrong delivers three knockouts across three different years. Jim Thorpe earns a special place on the National Football League’s Fiftieth Anniversary All-Time Team, while Jim Plunkett appears on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

We also celebrate two Hall of Fame honors for record-setting speed skier Ross Anderson, a dominant pitching performance by Bobby Madritsch, Aaliyah Nye’s first WNBA start, Vallie Eaves’ complete-game Major League debut and Wes Welker’s record-tying ninety-nine-yard touchdown.

TOPICS COVERED

• Louis Sockalexis completes his lone season with the Lowell Tigers and his final full season in professional baseball.

• Jack Dempsey fights Willie Meehan to another four-round draw in San Francisco.

• Henry Armstrong records knockout victories over Joe Sanchez, Dommy Ganzon and Charley Burns, along with a technical knockout of Johnny Taylor.

• Jim Thorpe is selected for the National Football League’s Fiftieth Anniversary All-Time Team in a special Legend category.

• Jim Plunkett appears on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s professional football issue.

• Jacoby Ellsbury steals three bases in one game and ties the Lowell Spinners’ team record.

• Ross Anderson enters the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame and is recognized by the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame.

• Bobby Madritsch holds the Boston Red Sox scoreless for eight innings.

• Aaliyah Nye receives the first starting assignment of her WNBA career.

• Jack Dempsey appears on the cover of TIME Magazine before his historic title defense against Luis Ángel Firpo.

• Joe Louis defeats Al Delaney by technical knockout.

• Angel Goodrich scores eleven points and provides five assists for the Seattle Storm.

• Sam Bradford throws for three hundred forty-six yards and three touchdowns on Monday Night Football.

• Vallie Eaves pitches a complete-game seven-hitter in his Major League debut.

• Wes Welker catches a record-tying ninety-nine-yard touchdown pass.

• Dexter Stacey races inside the top ten at Flamboro Speedway before an engine failure ends his night.

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

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.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sports History Network Theme Song

This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

This week in NDN All-Stars history, we begin with one of the strangest Olympic marathons ever run — and one of the most important moments in Native American sports history.

At the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Louis, Seneca marathon runner Frank Pierce becomes the first Native American athlete to compete in the Olympics. He will not finish the grueling race, but simply by taking his place in the field, Pierce makes history and begins more than a century of Native participation in the Olympic Games.

And that’s only the beginning.

Cherokee heavyweight Joe Louis battles Tommy Farr for 15 rounds. Iroquois boxing great Henry Armstrong appears throughout the week. Salish and Kootenai boxer Marvin Camel scores a knockout in Texas. Ponca and Otoe heavyweight Tommy Morrison successfully defends his WBO title.

Lumbee gymnast Ashton Locklear captures uneven-bars gold at the Pan American Championships. Lumbee stock car driver Roy Tyner races the Southern 500 at Darlington. Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara boxer Virgil Hill earns a 12-round victory — and later in our journey, captures his first world championship.

Cherokee pitcher Adrian Houser throws a complete-game shutout for Milwaukee. Mohawk racer Dexter Stacey puts together a pair of strong performances during a historic NASCAR Pinty’s Series doubleheader at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. And Assiniboine and Sioux mixed martial artist Hunter Azure earns a unanimous-decision victory at UFC Fight Night.

Travel back with NDN All-Stars as we bring great Native athletes from the past and present back into the spotlight for new generations.

This episode covers August 30 through September 5.

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

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.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sports History Network Theme Song

This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

This week in NDN All-Stars history, a nineteen-year-old catcher steps onto a Major League Baseball field for the very first time — beginning a career that will eventually include ten Gold Gloves, fourteen All-Star selections, two Most Valuable Player Awards, two World Series championships, and a place in Cooperstown.

That young catcher is Choctaw legend Johnny Bench.

But there’s much more to discover from August 23 through August 29.

Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara boxing great Virgil Hill scores a first-round TKO. Cherokee heavyweight Jack Dempsey earns a fifth-round stoppage. Inupiaq basketball star Alissa Pili signs with the Los Angeles Sparks for the remainder of the WNBA season. Iroquois great Henry Armstrong adds more victories to his remarkable boxing career — and steps into the ring against Sugar Ray Robinson.

Mohawk race car driver Dexter Stacey carries an Every Child Matters paint scheme honoring the survivors and victims of Indigenous residential schools. Navajo and San Felipe soccer player Madison Hammond scores the first NWSL goal of her career — and it proves to be the match-winner against her former club. Cherokee pitcher Early Wynn throws a one-hit shutout. Salish and Kootenai boxing pioneer Marvin Camel earns another victory. And Cherokee slugger Bob Johnson drives in six runs in a single inning.

Travel back with NDN All-Stars as we bring great Native athletes from the past and present back into the spotlight for new generations.

This episode covers August 23 through August 29.

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

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.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sports History Network Theme Song

This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

This week in NDN All-Stars history, one date steals the show.

On August 18 alone, five Native sports stories unfold across three different sports. Shinnecock golfer Oscar Bunn defeats legendary golfer Harry Vardon. Cherokee boxer Jack Dempsey begins his professional career. Sac and Fox legend Jim Thorpe makes another move in his Major League Baseball journey. And boxing greats Henry Armstrong and Joe Louis both score victories.

But that’s only part of the week.

Henry Armstrong captures the welterweight championship. Navajo and Yaqui MMA fighter Waachim Spiritwolf earns a second-round TKO. Cherokee pitcher Robbie Ray records his 1,000th Major League strikeout. Lakota pitcher Bobby Madritsch earns his third Major League victory. Ojibwe great Charles “Chief” Bender throws a one-hitter. Salish and Kootenai boxing pioneer Marvin Camel adds three victories to our calendar. And Ponca and Otoe heavyweight Tommy Morrison closes out the week with a second-round TKO.

Travel back with NDN All-Stars as we bring great Native athletes from the past and present back into the spotlight for new generations.

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

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.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sports History Network Theme Song

This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz