Detailing the rise and fall of Louis Sockalexis (1871-1913) who was the first American Indian to play in the major baseball leagues, this brief biography emphasizes Sockalexis's: (1) exceptional athletic ability; (2) culture conflict when, as a minority member, he entered main stream American life; (3) problems with alcohol and the ultimate demise of his baseball career; (4) return to his Penobscot people and the reservation in Maine (1901); (5) recovery from alcoholism and his reservation vocations (woodcutter, ferry-man, and coach); (6) death and modest burial; (7) ultimate recognition as a great American Indian and athlete. (JC)