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The eagle feather which a Lakota Sioux medicine man gave minor- league pitcher Bob Bennett '93 for his high school graduation rests in Bennett's locker during every game he pitches. For Bennett, the feather is a powerful symbol of rediscovery. Raised to ignore his Native American roots, he explains, he has recently rededicated himself to learning everything he can about his heritage.

Last December, Bennett received a Lakota Sioux Indian name, Wanbli Wanji, meaning One Eagle, in a ceremony in his Rapid City, South Dakota, hometown. And this year, as a pitcher for the Modesto (California) A's, a single-A affiliate of the Oakland A's, he was granted permission to grow the hair braid worn by his tribe. Explains Bennett, "My hair is the most visible aspect of my heritage off the field. It's a symbol to show people we have the freedom to play this game and still lead a traditional life."

Bennett has criticized the national media for erroneously reporting that he performs rituals with eagle feathers and tobacco before each game, reminiscent of those performed by his ancestors before a buffalo hunt. In a letter to the editor of BaseballAmerica, Bennett wrote that the articles had perpetuated stereotypes of Native Americans. "Ceremonies for buffalo hunts are only performed before buffalo hunts," he said. "Baseball games aren't buffalo hunts."

Bobwinds uplearninghis heritage.