Louis Sockalexis
The First Cleveland Indian
David L.
Fleitz
ISBN
978-0-7864-1383-6
photos, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
229pp.
softcover
2002
Available for immediate shipment
Description
Louis Sockalexis, a Penobscot Indian from Maine, was one of the greatest college baseball stars of the 1890s. Following his days playing for Holy Cross and Notre Dame, he went directly into the major leagues with Cleveland’s National League team in 1897, becoming the first of his race to play in the majors and the first minority athlete to play in the National League.
This is a complete biography of Sockalexis, known during his playing days as "Chief of Sockem" and "Deerfoot of the Diamond." For three months, Sockalexis batted well over .300, hit home runs, and made incredible throws from the outfield, but he found it difficult to adjust to playing in the major leagues. He often found himself the object of ridicule and hatred from sportswriters and fans in other cities. Sockalexis began drinking heavily and was suspended by the Cleveland team for playing while intoxicated. His alcoholism brought his career to an unfortunate and premature end in 1899, and he died in 1913 at the age of 42. Shortly after his death, Cleveland’s American League team was named the Indians and Chief Wahoo was adopted as its mascot, something that has sparked controversy in recent years and brought attention to Sockalexis once again.
About the Author
Award-winning author David L. Fleitz is a member of the Society for American Baseball Research. A computer systems analyst, he lives in Pleasant Ridge, Michigan.
Other Book(s) by David L. Fleitz Available from McFarland:
Shoeless
Ghosts in the Gallery at Cooperstown
Cap Anson
More Ghosts in the Gallery
The Irish in Baseball
Shoeless
 Award Winner
Finalist, Dave Moore Award--Elysian Fields Quarterly. Finalist, Seymour Medal--Society for American Baseball Research. Finalist, Casey Award--Spitball.
Reviews
"well-researched, highly readable study...an interesting and detailed account...in creating this concise and accurate account of the career of Louis Sockalexis, Fleitz displays an inquisitive scholar’s refusal to accept old tales at face value, a diligent researcher’s willingness to seek out the facts in primary sources, and a skillful writer’s ability to clearly describe what actually happened...valuable work"--Nine
"more scholarly and complete [than the competition]...excellent illustrations...detailed endnotes"--Daily News
"Fleitz has researched and told the story of Sockalexis very well"--Harold Seymour.com
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Table of Contents & Excerpts
Related Books
Sport & Leisure/Baseball/People
Interdisciplinary Studies/American Indian Studies
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