Levi Walker Jr., best known as Chief Noc-A-Homa, the Atlanta Braves mascot, died Friday afternoon at the age of 80.
Walker served as the Braves’ mascot from 1966 to 1985, living largely in a teepee behind the left field fence. He also became famous for performing a dance on the pitcher’s mound before the game. Although others portrayed the mascot, Walker was the most famous and only Native American born in Michigan and a member of the Odawa tribe.
Facebook user Adam Murphy of Adam Murphy News posted about the death. “An Atlanta legend passed away peacefully. Levi Walker Jr., better known as Chief Noc-A-Homa, passed away at 12:05 today surrounded by his loving family. He was the mascot of the Atlanta Braves from 1966 to 1985. I had the honor of meeting him when I was twelve years old and again two years ago in a news report. He will be greatly missed by all his family, friends and fans. #REST IN PEACE.”
During the 1966 season, the Atlanta Braves held a contest to name their mascot. “Chief Noc-A-Homa” was the winning name.
Walker approached the Braves in 1968 and asked to use a real Native American for the role of chief. Previously, he was an insurance agent, warehouse worker and plumber.
Chief Noc-A-Homa had two memorable moments.
On May 26, 1969, Walker set his teepee on fire after lighting a smoke bomb in celebration of the Braves’ Clete Boyer’s home run. He went back to his tent, but ran outside when the flames shot up. The fire was quickly extinguished.
The Braves and Walker parted ways before 1986, reportedly amid disputes over pay and missed deadlines. Walker reportedly earned $60 per game.
The other controversy arose when activist Russelll Means filed a lawsuit against the Cleveland Indians in 1972 over their “Chief Wahoo.” He also rejected Chief Noc-A-Homa. Walker said at the time, “I think Indians can be proud to have their names used by professional sports teams.”
Walker was first admitted to the hospital in July 2022 and his health has been deteriorating ever since. But he still loved his previous role.
“I had the blessing of the fans to be the mascot of the Atlanta Braves,” he said last year.
Source: Deadline
Joseph Fearn is an entertainment and television aficionado who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for what’s hot in the world of TV, Joseph keeps his readers informed about the latest trends and must-see shows.
