Levi Walker Jr., who portrayed the renowned Native American chief and mascot for the Atlanta Braves from 1969 to 1985, passed away on November 25, 2023, at the age of 79. He had been hospitalized since July 25, 2023, due to complications from diabetes and metabolic encephalopathy. He is survived by his wife, four children, and several grandchildren.
Walker, a member of the Odawa tribe and a native of Charlevoix, Michigan, was best known for his role as Chief Noc-A-Homa, a mascot that entertained millions of fans at the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium for nearly two decades. He was also a cultural ambassador for his tribe and a passionate advocate for Native American rights and dignity.
In this article, we will look back at the life and legacy of Levi Walker Jr., the man behind the mask of Chief Noc-A-Homa, and how he became a part of the history and culture of the Atlanta Braves and the city of Atlanta.
The Origin of Chief Noc-A-Homa
The idea of a Native American mascot for the Braves originated in 1953, when the team moved from Boston to Milwaukee. A 16-year-old high school student named Tim Rynders set up a tipi in the centerfield bleachers and danced and ignited smoke bombs when the Braves scored. He was inspired by the screaming Indian patch that the players wore on their sleeves.
When the team moved to Atlanta in 1966, the Braves held a contest to name their mascot. Mary Truesdale, a Greenville, SC resident, was one of three people who entered “Chief Noc-A-Homa” as the winning name, which was a pun on “knock a homer”. The first Chief Noc-A-Homa was portrayed by a Georgia State college student named Larry Hunn, who trained his successor, Tim Minors, in 1968.
The Rise of Levi Walker Jr.
In 1968, Levi Walker Jr., a former insurance salesman, warehouse worker, and plumber, approached the Braves about having a real Native American portray the chief. He said, “I went to the Braves in full uniform and said you got a white guy doing this job. I told them if you want to hire a bartender, you bring in someone who can make drinks. I told the Braves you want a real Noc-A-Homa, you need a real Indian and that was me”.
Walker was hired for the 1969 season and became the most famous and iconic version of Noc-A-Homa. He wore a traditional feather headdress, a leather vest, and moccasins. He lived in a tipi beyond the left field seats, where he welcomed fans of all ages and backgrounds. He also performed a ritual dance on the pitcher’s mound before every game and ran around the bases after every Braves home run. He was known for his charisma, humor, and enthusiasm.
Walker also had his share of memorable moments and mishaps as Noc-A-Homa. On May 26, 1969, he accidentally set his tipi on fire after lighting a smoke bomb to celebrate a home run by Clete Boyer. He ran out of the tipi as flames shot out two feet into the air, but the fire was quickly put out and Walker blamed the smoke bombs for being sabotaged.
Another time, in 1982, the Braves started the season with 13 wins, but owner Ted Turner removed the tipi to sell more seats. The Braves then lost 19 of their next 21 games and fell to second place. Superstitious fans blamed the missing tipi for the losing streak and Turner ordered the tipi to be put back up. The Braves then went on to win the National League West.
Walker also met many celebrities and dignitaries as Noc-A-Homa, such as four presidents, two kings, a sheik and his four wives, ZZ Top, Three Dog Night, Led Zeppelin, Roy Clark, Jerry Reed, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, Cab Calloway, Shirley Henderson, Olivia Newton-John, Loretta Lynn, Alabama, and many others.
In 1983, Walker was joined by “Princess Win-A-Lotta”, who was portrayed by Kim Calos. She was a female counterpart to Noc-A-Homa who also danced and cheered for the Braves. However, she suffered a serious back injury in a car accident that cut her season short, and the Braves chose not to bring her back in 1984.
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The Retirement of Chief Noc-A-Homa
After 17 years of being Noc-A-Homa, Walker was retired by the Braves before the 1986 season. The team cited several reasons for the decision, such as criticism that the mascot was racially insensitive, Walker’s failure to show up for some public appearances, and the desire to create a more modern and family-friendly mascot.
Walker was replaced by a furry green creature named Homer the Brave, who was later renamed Rally. Walker was not happy with the change and felt betrayed by the Braves. He said, “They took away my life. They took away my identity. They took away everything I worked for”.
Walker also faced legal troubles after his retirement. In 1988, he was arrested for selling cocaine to an undercover agent and was sentenced to five years in prison. He was released in 1992 and tried to rebuild his life. He moved back to Michigan and worked as a carpenter, a painter, and a security guard. He also reconnected with his Native American roots and participated in tribal ceremonies and events.
Walker never gave up his love for the Braves and Noc-A-Homa. He kept his costume and memorabilia in his home and occasionally wore them for special occasions. He also visited Atlanta several times and attended some Braves games as a guest. He said, “I still love the Braves. I still love the fans. I still love Noc-A-Homa. He’s a part of me and I’m a part of him”.
The Legacy of Levi Walker Jr.
Levi Walker Jr. passed away on November 25, 2023, after a long battle with diabetes and metabolic encephalopathy. He was surrounded by his family and friends at the hospital. He was 79 years old.
Walker left behind a legacy that will be remembered by many Braves fans and Native Americans. He was a pioneer and a legend in the field of sports mascots, and he brought joy and excitement to millions of people with his performance as Noc-A-Homa. He was also a proud and loyal member of the Odawa tribe, and he used his platform to educate and inspire others about his culture and heritage.
Walker’s family and friends described him as a kind, generous, and fun-loving person who always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. They said he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who loved his family and his community. They said he will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
The Atlanta Braves also issued a statement expressing their condolences and gratitude to Walker and his family. They said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Levi Walker Jr., who was a beloved part of the Braves family for many years. He was an integral part of our history and culture, and he entertained and delighted generations of fans with his role as Chief Noc-A-Homa. He was also a respected and admired representative of the Native American community, and he shared his knowledge and passion with us. We extend our heartfelt sympathy and appreciation to his wife, children, grandchildren, and all his relatives and friends. He will always be in our hearts and memories”.
The Braves also announced that they will honor Walker’s memory and legacy by holding a tribute ceremony before their next home game on November 27, 2023, against the New York Mets. They will also donate $10,000 to the Odawa tribe and the American Diabetes Association in his name. They invited all fans to join them in celebrating and remembering Walker and his contribution to the Braves and the city of Atlanta.
Levi Walker Jr. was more than just a mascot. He was a symbol of pride, spirit, and tradition for the Atlanta Braves and their fans. He was also a leader, a teacher, and a friend for the Native American community and the people of Atlanta. He touched many lives and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him or saw him as Noc-A-Homa.
Walker’s death is a loss not only for his family and friends, but also for the Braves and the baseball world. He will be remembered as one of the most iconic and beloved mascots in sports history, and as a man who lived his life with passion, courage, and grace.
Rest in peace, Levi Walker Jr. You will always be our Chief Noc-A-Homa.
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