The 2007 major league debuts of Yankees righthander Joba Chamberlain and Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury pushed the number of Native Americans in MLB history to 10.
Though both players joined their teams late in the season, Chamberlain was dominant as a set-up man while Ellsbury played a key role as both a left fielder and center fielder, particularly in the World Series. Neither player exceeded the rookie eligibility standard of 50 innings and 130 at-bats, and should be strong Rookie of the Year candidates in 2008—particularly if Chamberlain assumes a starting role for the Yankees and Ellsbury takes over in center field full-time.
Here are the 10 Native Americans that have played in the major leagues, in order of their debuts: |
| |
| |
Player, Pos |
Debut |
| 1. |
Louis Sockalexis, of |
1897-99 |
| 2. |
Chief Bender, rhp |
1903-25 |
| 3. |
Chief Meyers, c |
1909-17 |
| 4. |
Jim Thorpe, of |
1913-19 |
| 5. |
Moses ‘Chief’ Yellowhorse, rhp |
1921-22 |
| 6. |
Rudy York, 1b |
1934-48 |
| 7. |
Allie Reynolds, rhp |
1942-54 |
| 8. |
Bobby Madritsch, lhp |
2004-05 |
| 9. |
Jacoby Ellsbury, of |
2007 |
| 10. |
Joba Chamberlain, rhp |
2007 | |
| --ALLAN SIMPSON |
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