The Atlanta Braves mascot, Chief Noc-a-Homa, holds a significant place in the team's history. Chief Noc-a-Homa was introduced as the team's official mascot in 1966 and quickly became a beloved figure among fans. The name "Noc-a-Homa" is derived from the Creek Indian words for "Knock a homer." This name resonated with the team and its fans as the Braves were known for their powerful hitting and ability to hit home runs. Chief Noc-a-Homa became a symbol of the team's success and strength on the field. The mascot itself was depicted as a Native American chief, wearing traditional clothing and feathered headdress.
The mascot itself was depicted as a Native American chief, wearing traditional clothing and feathered headdress. Chief Noc-a-Homa would appear at Braves' home games, dancing and interacting with fans, especially during home runs or victories. However, in the early 1980s, the team decided to retire Chief Noc-a-Homa as part of a larger push for cultural sensitivity and understanding.
Chief Noc-A-Homa (Atlanta Braves)
Chief Noc-A-Homa was the original mascot of the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves from the 1950s until 1986. The name was used for the "screaming Indian" sleeve patch worn on Braves jerseys. From at least the early 1960s, while still in Milwaukee County Stadium, until the early 1980s at Atlanta's Fulton County Stadium, this mascot "lived" in a teepee in an unoccupied section of the bleacher seats.
The name was intended to be a playful variation of "Knock a Homer." The mascot's job was to exit his teepee and perform a dance whenever a Braves player hit a home run.
In the late 1970s, when the previously mediocre Braves became contenders again, a peculiar superstition arose. When football season approached and the portable bleachers needed to be opened up for the Atlanta Falcons, the teepee was typically removed, and at that point, the Braves would typically start to lose. Superstitious fans claimed that disrupting Noc-A-Homa's home was the cause of their downturn, rather than the team just not having enough depth to sustain first place for the season. After this happened several years in a row, though, the story began to gain some currency. The rumor reached its height in 1982, when the Braves were in first place with a seemingly insurmountable lead. Needing additional seating for sellouts, the Braves removed the teepee and sold tickets for the seats normally supporting it. The Braves promptly lost 19 of their next 21 games and fell to second place. When Braves management put the teepee back in place, the Braves went back to first place and ultimately won the Western division that year.
Late in Noc-A-Homa's duration, Hopewell, Virginia native Kimberly Ann Calos was introduced as "Princess Win-A-Lotta"
The best-known Noc-A-Homa was Levi Walker, Jr., an Ottawa native and an Odawa Indian. In 1986, Walker and the Braves mutually agreed to end their relationship due to disagreements about pay and missed dates. Walker petitioned the club to revive his role during the Braves' 1991 pennant run, but the Braves' management declined. During the late 1970s, the Braves also had a green mascot called Bleacher Creature.
Noc-a-Homa was eventually replaced as the mascot by the characters Homer and Rally. This has not, however, circumvented the introduction of other Native American-inspired traditions for Braves fans, such as the "Tomahawk Chop," adapted with the arrival of Florida State University multi-sport star Deion Sanders from Florida State's popular war chant.
The Simpsons referenced Noc-a-Homa in "I, (Annoyed Grunt)-Bot," when Homer competes as battle robot named "Chief Knock-a Homer."
Atlanta-based band Black Lips wrote a song titled "Noc-A-Homa" for their 2011 album Arabia Mountain. Guitarist Cole Alexander said of the song, ""The guy who acted as the mascot was a real Native American and he used to do prayer dances on the pitcher's mound. He was just a nice guy who rooted for the team."
When it was revealed that Chief Noc-A-Homa would appear on the Braves 2013 batting practice caps, it drew criticism, stating that the logo is offensive against Native Americans.
Noc-a-Homa was eventually replaced as the mascot by the characters Homer and Rally. This has not, however, circumvented the introduction of other Native American-inspired traditions for Braves fans, such as the "Tomahawk Chop," adapted with the arrival of Florida State University multi-sport star Deion Sanders from Florida State's popular war chant.
The decision was made in response to growing concerns about cultural appropriation and the portrayal of Native Americans in sports mascots. While Chief Noc-a-Homa is no longer an active mascot, its impact on the Atlanta Braves organization and its fans is still felt. The mascot played a significant role in shaping the team's identity and adding to the excitement of Braves' games. It is also a reminder of the evolving attitudes towards Native American representation in sports. Today, the Atlanta Braves have moved towards a more inclusive approach to their team branding, focusing on representing the city of Atlanta rather than specific cultural or ethnic references. The retired Chief Noc-a-Homa remains a part of the team's history and serves as a reminder of the changing attitudes in sports mascots..
Reviews for "The Hilarious Antics of Atlanta Braves Mascot Chief Moc"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I found the Atlanta Braves mascot, Chief Moc a Goma, to be offensive and disrespectful. The use of Native American imagery in sports mascots has long been a controversial issue, and it's disappointing to see a major league team perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The mascot's costume and behavior only serve to further reinforce harmful stereotypes and trivialize indigenous cultures. In an era where we should be striving for cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, the Braves' choice of mascot feels incredibly out of touch.
- Mike - 1 star - As an Atlanta Braves fan, I was excited to attend a game and show support for my favorite team. However, when I saw the mascot, Chief Moc a Goma, I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. The use of Native American representation in sports teams has long been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and cultural appropriation. The Braves should reconsider their choice of mascot and respect the concerns raised by indigenous communities. It's time for sports teams to move away from offensive imagery and promote inclusivity in every aspect of the game.
- Emily - 2 stars - I went to an Atlanta Braves game recently and couldn't help but cringe when the mascot, Chief Moc a Goma, came out onto the field. It's disappointing to see such a big franchise still using culturally insensitive mascots. The depiction of a Native American chief, complete with a headdress, feels outdated and offensive. It's time for the Braves to choose a mascot that represents the diversity of their fan base and does not perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
- Jason - 1 star - I was really looking forward to attending an Atlanta Braves game, but the presence of Chief Moc a Goma as the team's mascot really put a damper on my experience. The use of Native American imagery in sports is disrespectful and insensitive. It's disappointing that the Braves have not taken the concerns of indigenous communities seriously and continue to promote harmful stereotypes. I hope they reevaluate their mascot choice and make a more inclusive decision.