Meet the Legends: Nat Bates and Willie Reed to Appear at Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame on June 11
Regina, SK – May 1, 2025 – The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, in partnership with the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum (SACHM) and the Indian Head Museum (IHM), is honoured to host a special Meet and Greet event with Nat Bates and Willie Reed, two original members of the groundbreaking Indian Head Rockets baseball team. This public event will take place on Wednesday, June 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, located in downtown Regina.
The Indian Head Rockets, an African American and Latino baseball team, played and barnstormed across Saskatchewan and Alberta in the early 1950s, challenging racial barriers and elevating the level of play across the prairies. In 1952, Bates, Reed, and three friends from Richmond, California, joined the team, bringing speed, power, and extraordinary skill to every game. Now in their 90s, Nat and Willie return to Saskatchewan as living legends to share their stories and connect with the community that welcomed them decades ago.
“We’re incredibly proud to honour these trailblazing athletes and to provide the public an opportunity to hear from them directly,” said Erin Stankewich, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. “Their contributions to the game and social progress through sport deserve recognition and celebration.”
The event will include a short introduction, opportunities for conversation with the players, and displays of historic photographs curated in collaboration with the Indian Head Museum. Attendees will also hear from Carol La Fayette-Boyd, Executive Director of SACHM, and Robyn Jensen, Vice-President of the Indian Head Museum, who will speak to the significance of preserving stories like the Rockets’ and ensuring they are recognized in the province’s broader historical narrative.
“The Indian Head Rockets are an important part of Saskatchewan’s African-descent history and our sporting legacy,” said La Fayette-Boyd. “Events like this allow us to honour those contributions and pass them on to new generations.”
This event is free to attend and open to the public. Media are welcome.
Event Details:
What: Meet & Greet with Indian Head Rockets’ Nat Bates and Willie Reed
When: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, 2205 Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK
Hosted by: Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, SACHM, and the Indian Head Museum
For media inquiries, please contact:
Erin Stankewich
Executive Director, Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame
estankewich@sshfm.com
Carol La Fayette-Boyd
Executive Director, Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum (SACHM)
contact@sachm.org
Robyn Jensen
Vice-President, Indian Head Museum
indianheadmuseum@gmail.com