A Community’s Heartbeat: The Enduring Legacy of Suquamish Baseball

The Suquamish Tribe holds a rich history deeply intertwined with the game of baseball, a legacy that continues to resonate through generations. Tribal elder and artist Marilyn Wandrey and Suquamish Tribe Chairman Leonard Forsman shed light on the profound importance of baseball to their community, from legendary Japan tours to its role as a unifying force.

Marilyn Wandrey, a retired Raven Canoe Captain and tribal elder, vividly recalls her childhood experiences with baseball. Her father Lawrence Webster was a central figure in the Suquamish baseball team. "It was pretty exciting because my dad, who traveled to Japan with the ball team…was the manager of the Suquamish baseball team. Him and his ball team traveled the Indian circuit," Wandrey said. 

Wandrey recounted stories her father shared about the 1921 Japan tour, a remarkable journey for the young team. She remembered the festive atmosphere of games held on a large baseball field with big maple trees where buildings now stand. Webster’s love for baseball was evident from a young age, and he instilled that passion in his daughter and family.

The legacy of the Japan tour is a source of immense pride. Wandrey herself had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at a Mariners game, an experience that brought back memories of her father and the players. "When I threw that ball, I was overwhelmed with the roar of everybody. It was just so loud," she recalled. She hoped people would come to understand how important baseball was to Indigenous people, explaining that at the time, baseball was the heart of their community.

Chairman of the Suquamish tribe Leonard Forsman echoed the sentiment of baseball's deep roots in the Suquamish community. He grew up hearing stories of the Japan tour, particularly from Webster, who was a close friend of his father. Forsman's work at the museum and archives brought more of these stories to light, leading to oral history interviews with the players in the early 1980s.

Forsman emphasized the responsibility the players felt to represent their people, on top of having joy for the game they loved so dearly. He hopes people remember that the city of Seattle is named after Chief Seattle of the Suquamish Tribe. “This is Indian country, and the fact is that Indian baseball was here a long, long time before there was professional Major League Baseball " 

The Suquamish Tribe's baseball story is more than just a series of games; it's a testament to community, pride, and an enduring athletic tradition that continues to inspire generations to come. 

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