Levi Walker Jr., who served as Braves mascot Chief Knock-a-Homa for nearly 20 years, died Friday, according to Atlanta News First. Today we will discuss about Levi Walker Jr: Baseball| Obituary| What happened to
Levi Walker Jr: Baseball| Obituary| What happened to
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Levi Walker, Jr., better known as Atlanta Braves mascot Chief Knock-a-Homa, died Friday afternoon at the age of 80.
Walker served as the Braves’ mascot from 1966 to 1985, living largely in a tipi beyond the left field fence. He also became famous for dancing on the pitcher’s mound before games. Although others featured mascots, Walker was the most famous and the only Native American, Michigan native and member of the Odawa tribe.
Baseball
Many knew Chief Knock-a-Homa as the iconic Atlanta Braves mascot for nearly two decades, from the late 1960s through the 1980s.
Now, he is in the hospital and his daughter is asking for help.
Levi Walker Jr., who played the famous Native American tribal chief, was taken to the ER on July 25, according to an online fundraiser created by his daughter Gwyn Newman.
She said Walker has been diagnosed with metabolic encephalopathy, caused by a chemical imbalance in the blood inside the brain, and he sometimes seems disoriented. Before being taken to the hospital, Newman said that Walker was receiving his usual routine care, and that he may need professional assistance in his care upon returning home.
Obituary
In a heartfelt announcement today, we share the sad news of the passing of Levi Walker Jr., who portrayed ‘Chief Nok-a-Homa’, the iconic mascot for the Atlanta Braves from 1969 to 1985. Walker died on Friday, November 24. , 2023, after battling several health complications related to diabetes and long-term dialysis.
Walker’s charming portrayal of the famous Native American tribal chief Chief Noc-a-Homa became an integral part of the Atlanta Braves’ identity, making him a beloved figure among fans. His spirit and enthusiasm, whether leading the cheers or performing his trademark dance, filled the stadium with an energy that will be remembered by all who experienced it.
In recent years, Walker faced significant health challenges. On July 25, he was taken to the ER, diagnosed with metabolic encephalopathy, and has since been experiencing disorientation. Despite these adversities, Walker’s resilience never waned, echoing the strength he displayed as Chief Knock-a-Homa.
What happened to
Facebook user Adam Murphy of Adam Murphy News posted on the death. “An Atlanta legend has passed away peacefully. Levi Walker Jr., better known as Chief Knock-a-Homa, passed away today at 12:05 pm with his loving family by his side. He was the mascot of the Atlanta Braves from 1966–1985. I had the honor of meeting him when I was 12 years old and again on a news story two years ago. He will be greatly missed by all his family, friends and fans. Tear out.”
The Braves and Walker parted ways before the 1986 season, reportedly due to a dispute over salaries and missed dates. Walker reportedly earned $60 per game.
Another controversy came when activist Russell Means filed a lawsuit against the Cleveland Indians for their “Chief Wahoo” in 1972. He also objected to Chief Nok-a-Homa. Walker said at the time, “I think the Indians can be proud that their name is used with professional sports teams.”
Walker was first admitted to the hospital in July 2022 and his health declined from there. But he still loved his former role.
“The fans have blessed me to be the mascot of the Atlanta Braves,” he said last year.
