Born in 1884 near Brainard Minnesota Charles (Chief) Albert Bender began learning the skills to play baseball while living at the Carlisle Indian School which he started attending in 1896. He pitched for the Philedelphia Athletics managed by Connie Mack from 1903-1914, was one of the greatest clutch pitchers of his time, and amassed impressive numbers for a great team. In 1953 he became the first Native American ball player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.

posted Jun 18, 2008 at 7:03PM

Leaving aside Mr. Bender’s baseball achievements, which were formidable, I find as a trained historian that this book serves as more than a sports book. This book in fact gives a major insight into the workings of society and one of its most important sports businesses. Mr. Bender was a very promintent leader on and off the field, showing class everywhere he went, and so gives an example of a microhistory with broader implications. When will we in Minnesota have the courage to give him his due in a statue at the new Target Field? John Xavier

posted Dec 3, 2011 at 4:50PM

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