This Week in NDN All-Stars History: April 12–18

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

This week’s episode of This Week in NDN All-Stars History covers a wide range of moments—from early baseball debuts to championship performances across multiple sports.

We highlight Bob Johnson stepping onto the field for the first time, Jim Thorpe beginning his Major League journey, and Tiger Woods capturing his first Masters title. Along the way, we also recognize standout performances from athletes like Jonathan Cheechoo, Shoni Schimmel, and T.J. Oshie, along with historic achievements from Joe Louis and Tarzan Brown.

These are the moments that continue to build the legacy of Native athletes across generations.

🔑 TOPICS COVERED

• Bob Johnson’s MLB debut with the Philadelphia Athletics
• Joe Louis knockout victories in Detroit
• Kyle Losey’s complete game shutout
• Cody Jamieson reaching 1,000 career points in the NLL
• Tiger Woods winning his first Masters Tournament
• Jim Thorpe’s Major League Baseball debut
• Shoni Schimmel selected in the WNBA Draft
• Chief Meyers’ MLB debut with the New York Giants
• Jonathan Cheechoo wins the Rocket Richard Trophy
• T.J. Oshie’s “Goal of the Year” rookie moment
• Angel Goodrich drafted into the WNBA
• Pepper Martin’s MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals
• Henry Armstrong’s early boxing victory
• Jim Thorpe Day proclaimed in 1973
• Mike Edwards’ first PBA Tour title
• Tarzan Brown’s Boston Marathon victory
• George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah fight results
• Roy Johnson’s MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers

If you’re enjoying these stories and want to help us keep sharing the history of great Native athletes, head over to NDNAllStars.com to explore the collection.

You can also follow the podcast, share this episode, and help us continue growing the visibility of 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 https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0