Native American baseball fans showed up in large numbers at Chase Field on June 1 to enjoy Native American Recognition Day (NARD) Presented by Talking Stick Resort.

The Diamondbacks faced off against the Washington Nationals after the opening festivities.

The annual special day at the ballpark began before the game with in-stadium traditional song and dance performances by representatives from tribal nations.

Bird Singing and Dancing by the River from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) performed in the ballpark’s rotunda. Also performing before the game were D7 Bird Singers & Dancers (Gila River Indian Community – GRIC) and the band One Way Sky featuring members of the GRIC and the Tohono O’odham Nation.

While the performances were going on, cultural and display exhibits lined the main concourse, including a booth highlighting SRPMIC member Janet Johnson.

Traditionally, winners from the Inter-Tribal Youth Baseball and Softball Tournament would lead a parade of tournament players around the warning track, holding the flags from where they are from or a banner with their team names. But this year, the tournament took place after NARD, so the players paraded in a different order.

After the parade, a drum group and 240 performers took to the outfield for a pow-wow style performance, followed by the presentation of tribal royalty.

It was then the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s time to shine. The Salt River Fire Department Color Guard presented the colors after Talking Stick Resort and the SRPMIC were recognized for being the presenting sponsor of NARD. The SRPMIC Council stood near home plate and waved to all in attendance.

The Color Guard stationed at the back stop while SRPMIC member Isabella Dockerty sang the national anthem in O’odham to a roaring applause from the crowd. President Harvier threw out the ceremonial first pitch and then the game began.

SRPMIC also provided free tickets to Community members to attend the game.

The Diamondbacks struck first, scoring three runs in the first inning. D-Backs pitcher Corbin Burnes pitched an effective 4.2 innings, allowing one run in the fifth and striking out six Nationals total. Neither team scored after that, and the D-Backs won the game in a final score of 3-1.

The popular Inter-Tribal Youth Baseball and Softball Tournament took place the following day, through the week in the SRPMIC. Coverage of the tournament will be in the July 3 issue of O’odham Action News and on OAN’s website.