Long before there were well-known American-Indians playing baseball, there were Indians who helped make the game what it is today. While many of us are baffled in standing in the batter's box, it took patience, dedication, and a world of change for the social integration to take place between American-Indians and regular ball players. Oddly enough, it all came back to that white ball and a little baseball hitting.

The Early Days

Back in the late 1800s there were a few Indians playing in the big leagues. While in years past they were being overrun by the war, it was the game that brought them back together. However, just as many people know the story of African-American integration with Jackie Robinson, few of us ever here about the Indian tradition. It's an untold story that everyone should at least acknowledge.

In 1897, a man by the name of Louis Sockalexis became the first American-Indian ever to play in the bigs. While in college, he accumulated a .444 batting average at Holy Cross. However, due to a coaching transfer to Notre Dame, Sockalexis decided to do so as well. The most notable point of his career with the Fighting Irish was an exhibition game against the New York Giants where he homered.

Unfortunately, he had to deal with constant racial slurs, taunts, and mocking war dances in the crowd. This was evident on most occasions and part of the reason his alcoholism took over his life. In short, he played for 3 seasons in the bigs and compiled a .338 average.

More to Come

Even though the first Indian blood player has often been debated, there have been several to make it to the major leagues. While you may not recognize names like Sockalexis, or even Charles Bender, many fans know or heard of Early Wynn and of course, Johnny Bench. All had fantastic careers outside of Sockalexis, and while their baseball hitting mechanics were different, they were all successful.

Learning from Indian Preparation

When it comes to American-Indians baseball hitting technique, it's no different than yours. We all prepare by practicing, but one thing that Indians prided themselves on for so many years, was spending the time to learn the mental aspect of the game. While big men and muscles meant homeruns, a strategic thought process meant better averages, more times on base, and obviously all kinds of hits.

Indian players had to strive themselves to be exceptional hitters to stay in the game. They learned that the mind and body had to work in unison to be consistent in the game. Even with everyone shouting racial slurs, sending threats, and mocking their culture, hitting the ball kept them playing. Most importantly, people like Bender and Sockalexis allowed players such as Johnny Bench to have an easier time with the crowds.

Today's Indians

When you're an outsider looking for a way of acceptance, it doesn't matter what race you are or where you come from. Kids deal with this everyday while in school hoping to get in with the "popular" crowd. In order to do this they have to prove themselves just like Indian players who made it to the big leagues over the years. Even today, you can find two players with Indian heritages.

Next time you're looking over the Boston Red Sox lineup, look for the name Jacoby Ellisbury. He is Navajo and if you want to learn more about baseball hitting, he's definitely a nice option. On the flipside, you have his Yankees arch rival pitcher Joba Chamberlain. Even though they are against one another on the field, the respect for where they came from is evident.

The Future

What it comes down to is that no matter what obstacle you have to overcome, you just have to work hard at achieving it. Even though older players didn't think about it at the time, they were making life easier for Ellisbury, Chamberlain, and others today. Baseball hitting isn't any different. All you need is someone to show you the ins and outs of what works best for you, then transform your mind and body to work as one. The end result and determination will leave you feeling a lot of respect for those American-Indians who played the game years ago.