"The Iroquois Indian Museum celebrates Iroquois culture and what we have is a wonderful example Iroquois culture, " said museum director Erynne Ansel-McCabe.
And part of that culture is the the latest exhibit at the museum just in time for opening season.
Baseball's League of Nations: A Tribute to Native American Baseball Players. The exhibit basically breaks down to four parts, celebrating the Iroquois community, recognizing the Indian schools and the major league division, and let's not forget another part of the game -- mascots. There's a deep history of Native American players, and there's some that are still relevant today.
A new museum exhibit pays tribute to Native American baseball players.
"Right now we're celebrating two in particular, which is Jaba Chamberlain, who is a pitcher for the Yankees and Coby Elsbery, outfielder for the Boston Red Sox," said Ansel-McCabe.
According to the Baseball Almanac there have been 47 native Americans that played for Major League Baseball. While that number may seem limited, one of them is considered by many to be one of the greatest athletes of all time -- Jim Thorpe.
"We celebrate Jim Thorpe as well, in his life and his accomplishments. We've done research at the Carlise Indian School and brought back artifacts from them as well, so we thank them for their help too," said Ensel-McCabe.
Strategically located between Cooperstown and Albany, the Iroquois Indian Museum's mission is to educate the public about Iroquois art, culture, and history. And when it comes to visiting this particular exhibit, there's a lesson to be learned.
"These stories are to be told, these native American players went through racism and adversity to become real role models for native American children and they helped to make America's pastime what it is today, " said Ensel-McCabe.
And the game plays on.