At eighty, Levi Walker, Jr., better known as Chief Noc-A-Homa, the mascot of the Atlanta Braves, passed away on Friday afternoon.
From 1966 until 1985, Walker was the Braves’ mascot. He lived mostly in a tipi outside the left-field fence. In addition, he became to fame for his pre-game dance on the pitcher’s mound. Walker was the most well-known and the sole Native American, a native of Michigan and an Odawa Tribe member, even though other people also played the mascot.
Facebook user Adam Murphy of Adam Murphy News posted on the death. “An Atlanta legend has passed away peacefully. Levi Walker, Jr., better known as Chief Noc-A-Homa, died at 12:05 PM today with his loving family by his side. He was the mascot for the Atlanta Braves from 1966-1985. I had the honor of meeting him when I was 12 years old and then again on a news story two years ago. He will be greatly missed by all of his family, friends and fans. #RIP.”
The Atlanta Braves held a contest to choose their mascot for the 1966 season. The winning name that was selected was “Chief Noc-A-Homa.”
In 1968, Walker proposed to the Braves that a real Native American play the role of the chief. He has worked as a plumber, warehouse worker, and insurance salesman in the past.
Chief Noc-A-Homa experienced two noteworthy events.
In celebration of Clete Boyer of the Braves hitting a home run, Walker lit a smoke bomb on May 26, 1969, and then set fire to his tipi. He returned to his tent, but as soon as flames appeared, he hurried outside. The fire was put out rather soon.
Walker and the Braves split up prior to the 1986 campaign, allegedly due to disagreements about missing dates and compensation. Walker reportedly earned $60 for each match.
The other dispute arose from a lawsuit that activist Russell Means brought against the Cleveland Indians in 1972 over their “Chief Wahoo.” He was also against Chief Noc-A-Homa. “I think Indians can be proud that their names are used with professional sports teams,” Walker stated at the time.
Walker’s condition deteriorated after his initial hospitalisation in July 2022. He still loved his old role, though.
Last year, he declared, “I’ve been blessed by the fans to be the Atlanta Braves mascot.”
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