This Week in NDN All-Stars History: August 16–22, 2026

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

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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