This Week in NDN All-Stars History: Bucky Dent, Jim Thorpe, Johnny Bench & More

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

This week in NDN All-Stars History takes us from early professional football and championship boxing to unforgettable moments in baseball, lacrosse, hockey, golf, and more.

Bucky Dent delivers one of the most famous home runs in baseball history. Jim Thorpe leads the all-Native Oorang Indians into their first NFL game. Johnny Bench and Willie Stargell each close legendary Major League careers with hits in their final plate appearances.

We also look back at Charles Bender clinching a pennant, Jack Jacobs doing just about everything on a football field, Virgil Hill returning to the top of the boxing world, Janee’ Kassanavoid celebrating a historic season back home with the Comanche Nation, Ryan Helsley setting a Cardinals saves record, and much more.

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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:

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