Mose J. Yellowhorse, a name that resonates with both the crack of the bat and the echoes of a rich Native American heritage, holds a unique place in baseball history. Born into the Pawnee tribe, he is widely regarded as the first full-blooded American Indian to play in Major League Baseball, breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark on the sport. His journey, however, was not without its challenges, marked by both triumph and tribulation, reflecting the complex realities faced by Native Americans in the early 20th century.
Born on January 28, 1898, in Pawnee, Oklahoma, Mose J. Yellowhorse’s life began amidst a backdrop of cultural transition and resilience. His parents, Clara and Thomas Yellow Horse, were among those who endured the arduous journey from Nebraska to Oklahoma during the Pawnee relocation of 1875. This relocation, while shorter than the infamous Trail of Tears endured by other tribes, was nonetheless devastating, with disease and starvation claiming the lives of many. By 1879, the Pawnee population had plummeted by fifty percent in just fifteen years, a stark reminder of the hardships faced by the tribe.
Thomas and Clara, however, persevered, establishing a 160-acre farm in the Oklahoma Territory. It was here that Mose J. Yellowhorse entered the world. His unusual first name spelling, "Mose," is confirmed by baseball historian Todd Fuller. Though he was known as Moses in later years, and signed his name that way during his baseball career, his name was probably first misspelled when he attended the Chilocco Indian School. Further proof that his name was actually Mose and not Moses, is that Mose is the spelling engraved on his gravestone.
The Pawnee people, historically divided into four bands – the Skidi (Wolf Band), Kilkihaki (Little Earth Lodge Band), Tsawi (Asking for Meat Band), and Petahauirata (Man Going Downstream Band) – possessed a rich cultural heritage steeped in religion and mysticism. The Yellowhorse family belonged to the Skidi, or Wolf Band. Unlike some other tribes, the Pawnees seemed to adapt more readily to Euro-American ways of life. Mose J. Yellowhorse and his parents embraced aspects of mainstream American culture, wearing Western clothing and residing in a permanent home on their farm. He attended school as mandated by the Indian Agency, an institution designed to assimilate Native American children into American society. This background allowed him to navigate white society with relative ease.
Despite this assimilation, Mose J. Yellowhorse never fully relinquished his Pawnee identity. He remained deeply knowledgeable about his tribe’s culture, constantly seeking to expand his understanding throughout his life. His childhood included performing in the Pawnee Bill Wild West Show. According to his relative, Albin LeadingFox, he honed his ball-throwing skills by hunting rabbits and birds with rocks to help feed his family.
His formal baseball journey began at the Federal Indian School in Chilocco, Oklahoma. There, he combined his academic pursuits with a growing passion for baseball, developing the skills that would eventually propel him to the major leagues. By 1917, at the age of 19, Yellowhorse was showcasing his talent on both the varsity and semi-pro circuits.
The year 1920 proved to be a pivotal one. Yellowhorse’s pitching prowess helped lead the Little Rock Travelers to the Southern Association Championship. His impressive record of 21 wins and 7 losses caught the attention of Barney Dreyfuss, the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dreyfuss wasted no time in acquiring Yellowhorse’s contract, bringing the 22-year-old pitcher to Pittsburgh and setting the stage for his historic entry into Major League Baseball.
Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 180 pounds, the right-handed Yellowhorse joined the Pirates in 1921. He quickly made an impact, posting a 5-3 record with a solid 2.98 earned run average in his rookie season. His arrival coincided with a period of recovery for baseball, which was still reeling from the "Black Sox" gambling scandal of 1919. However, the sport continued to grapple with deeply ingrained racial prejudices.
Despite the presence of talented Black players, Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis actively obstructed efforts to integrate them into the major leagues. Club owners echoed Landis’ sentiments, fearing that white players would refuse to play alongside Black players, white fans would boycott games, and hotels would deny accommodations to Black players on road trips. This systemic discrimination led to the formation of separate Negro Leagues, showcasing the extraordinary talent that was denied access to the Major Leagues.
While Native Americans were not explicitly banned from baseball, Yellowhorse’s signing by Dreyfuss was a departure from the norm. Though mixed-blood Native Americans like Jim Thorpe, Charles "Chief" Bender, and John "Chief" Meyers had previously played in the majors, Yellowhorse was a full-blooded Pawnee, an unprecedented sight in a Major League uniform.
Jim Thorpe, widely considered one of America’s greatest athletes, was of mixed European and Native American descent. He played outfield for the New York Giants and was even featured on Wheaties cereal boxes after a letter-writing campaign by children from the Pawnee Reservation. Charles "Chief" Bender, a star pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics, was of German and Chippewa ancestry. John T. "Chief" Meyers, a catcher for the New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers, was a mixed-blood member of the Cahuilla tribe.
While Mose J. Yellowhorse was neither the first nor the most accomplished Native American to play in the majors, his status as the first full-blooded Native American player set him apart. While other Native American players such as Louis Sockalexis, Charles "Chief" Bender, Allie "Superchief" Reynolds, and Rudy York, had longer, more productive careers, Mose J. Yellowhorse held a distinct honor.
The question then arises: how did Yellowhorse, a "full-blooded" Indian, break through the color line? Dreyfuss’ influence and Landis’ curiosity about Yellowhorse’s heritage likely played a role. Landis, despite his prejudice against Black players, was intrigued by Yellowhorse’s background. He even summoned Yellowhorse and his manager for a meeting, after which Landis was reportedly impressed.
Upon returning to Pittsburgh, Yellowhorse made history by becoming the first Pirates pitcher to win a home opener in his rookie season. He quickly gained popularity among fans, who affectionately nicknamed him "Chief," despite the fact that he held no such title within his tribe.
Yellowhorse made his debut on April 15, relieving Earl Hamilton in a game against the Cincinnati Reds. While he made a few starts, he primarily served as a relief pitcher. His appearances sparked excitement among fans, with chants of "Put in Yellowhorse" echoing through Forbes Field. These chants were often accompanied by drumming, war whoops, and foot-stomping, creating a unique atmosphere.
Despite the intense attention, Yellowhorse remained focused, delivering his signature "smokin’" fastball, rumored to reach speeds of 97 mph. Within months, he became a fan favorite, drawing large crowds to games. He was accepted as a full member of the Pirates, rooming with the team and traveling without segregation, unlike Jackie Robinson in the 1940s.
However, Yellowhorse’s presence also triggered resentment among some fans and players. On one occasion, during an exhibition game against Ty Cobb, Cobb reportedly hurled racist insults at Yellowhorse, who responded by hitting Cobb between the eyes with a fastball. This incident highlighted the prejudice that Yellowhorse faced, both on and off the field.
In the early 20th century, Native Americans faced widespread discrimination, with laws prohibiting intermarriage and segregation in schools. They were not recognized as U.S. citizens until 1924, and were often denied property rights, voting rights, and equal protection under the law. Stereotypes portraying Native Americans as lazy, untrustworthy, and prone to alcoholism further fueled discrimination. Sadly, the behavior of some Native American players, including Yellowhorse, reinforced these negative stereotypes.
Like many ballplayers of the era, Yellowhorse struggled with alcohol. One incident involved him being found intoxicated and belligerent near Forbes Field, requiring police intervention. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident.
Yellowhorse’s promising rookie season was cut short by a groin injury requiring surgery. In 10 games, Yellowhorse’s 5-3 record had helped the Pirates finish the 1921 season in second place behind New York. In 1922, Yellowhorse suffered a rupture in his arm that required surgery, beginning his tailspin.
By June of that season, manager Gibson was replaced by hometown favorite Bill McKechnie amid charges of heavy drinking by unnamed ballplayers and a general lack of discipline on the team. McKechnie decided to room him with shortstop Rabbit Maranville because they were both problem hellraisers, and McKechnie also roomed with the two to try to keep them in line. However, one night, while the skipper went to a movie, the roommates decided to do their drinking at the hotel, they also began catching pigeons from their 16th-story hotel window and stuffing them in McKechnie’s closet.
As the 1922 season progressed, Yellowhorse’s performance declined, and he faced growing criticism from fans. His drinking and disruptive behavior reinforced negative stereotypes. The alcohol had a deleterious effect on his performance; Dreyfuss and McKechnie were disheartened. He appeared in 28 games, compiling a 3-1 record and 4.52 an earned run average. His big-league career was over.
After being traded to the Sacramento Senators of the Pacific Coast League, Yellowhorse played sporadically in the minor leagues. He injured his arm again midway through the season, and at age 28, returned home to Pawnee, Oklahoma. There, he sunk even further into his alcoholism and worked a string of low paying jobs until 1945.
He finally stopped drinking and began to turn his life around. He retrieved his dignity, and found steady work with the Oklahoma Highway Department. Once he regained his sobriety, Yellowhorse tirelessly donated time and energies to tribal concerns, especially to the younger members, and was eventually considered an Elder of the tribe. He helped establish youth baseball, often serving as coach, occasionally umpiring semi-pro games, and pitching when the need arose. He became a groundskeeper for the Ponca City Ballclub in 1947 and coached an all-Indian baseball team of youngsters who were all full-blooded.
In the early 1960s, Yellowhorse’s contributions to the Pawnee community were recognized and celebrated. He was honored on his 66th birthday with a feast and ceremonial war dance. However, just three months later, on April 10, 1964, Mose J. Yellowhorse died of an apparent heart attack. He was buried with traditional Pawnee ceremonies in the North Indian Cemetery in Pawnee, Oklahoma.
Though he never married or had children, his legacy lived on. An annual softball tournament was established in his honor, and a housing project was named after him. Though the name Chief Yellowhorse was considered, the new stadium was christened simply "Three Rivers Stadium."
Mose J. Yellowhorse’s story is a complex one, filled with both triumph and tragedy. He broke barriers as the first full-blooded Native American to play in Major League Baseball. He was a symbol of hope and inspiration. His struggles with alcohol and the prejudices he faced highlight the challenges that Native Americans endured in the early 20th century. Despite these challenges, he ultimately found redemption, dedicating his life to serving his tribe and inspiring future generations. Mose J. Yellowhorse remains a significant figure in baseball history and a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Pawnee people.