There were baseball fanatics aplenty in downtown Phoenix as tribes from across Indian Country traveled to Chase Field for the annual Native American Recognition Day (NARD) on June 15, hosted by the Arizona Diamondbacks and sponsored by Talking Stick Resort.

Though the game between the Diamondbacks and the Chicago White Sox did not start until 7:10 p.m., fans lined up hours before at the gates to secure their place in line to receive one of 20,000 free T-shirts.

Miss Salt River Kennise McGertt, Jr. Miss Salt River Jizelle Juan and Jr. Miss Salt River 1st Attendant Patricia Woody also attended the NARD pregame celebration. Before the first pitch, SRPMIC royalty met and spent time with Miss Indian World Kassie John (Navajo). Crowned in April of this year, John visited with the Salt River royalty as well as Miss Hopi, Miss Fort McDowell and more. When John entered the Diamondbacks suite for the first time, a collective hush fell over the room. “It’s her!” they said when John walked in.

The tribal royalty were then invited to participate the NARD inter-tribal baseball tournament parade, in which all participating players and coaches walk a lap in the outfield of Chase Field. In all, more than 40 tribal royalty members from throughout Indian Country were recognized and honored during the NARD pregame celebration. This year’s inter-tribal baseball tournament featured nearly 75 teams spread out across both baseball and softball in the single A, double A and triple A levels.

During the parade, traditional dancers of all ages and experience levels showcased their dances out on the baseball field.

The pregame activities continued at the Caesars Sportsbook, a two-story entertainment hub located adjacent to Chase Field. Representing the Tohono O’odham Nation was the all-Indigenous cheer team Native All-Stars. Following their performance, the Colorado River Indian Tribe Mohave Elders provided a special performance. The outdoor celebration also featured performances from the Gila River Indian Community, the Cocopah Indian Tribe and the Navajo Nation.

The SRPMIC traditional dancers performed in the moments leading up to the first pitch, which was thrown out by Community member Jordan French Jr. A Youth of the Year nominee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, representing the Red Mountain branch, French happily waved to the crowd as he made his way to the pitcher’s mound. Then he hurled the baseball and received roaring applause from the crowd for a job well done.

As game time approached, SRPMIC member and Casino Arizona & Talking Stick Resort employee Tammy Hayes sang the national anthem as the SRPMIC Color Guard presented the flags. Hitting every high note with ease, Hayes brought the crowd to a frenzy, then smiled and waved following her performance.

SRPMIC Council members Wi-Bwa Grey, Cheryl Doka, Mikah Carlos and SRPMIC Vice-President Ricardo Leonard were in attendance; they had their moment in the spotlight, shown on the Chase Field jumbotron video screen as they waved from home plate. Also getting their moment on the jumbotron were members of the SRPMIC Youth Council, who were showcased to the crowd during the fourth inning.

As for the game, the Diamondbacks surprisingly lost to the Chicago White Sox to the tune of 9-2. Though the Diamondbacks couldn’t secure the victory on NARD Night, with Indian Country under the roof of Chase Field, the 2024 NARD celebration was still considered a home run.