The Penobscot Nation of Maine says two of its members are being overlooked despite their athletic prowess.

Louis Sockalexis played for Cleveland Spiders, later known as the Cleveland Indians, from 1897 to 1899. He is believed to have been the first Native American to play in the major leagues.

Andrew Sockalexis finished in second place during the 1912 and 1913 Boston Marathons and in fourth place at the 1912 Olympic games in Sweden. The two men were cousins who grew up on Indian Island.

"They were always talked about in my upbringing on the reservation," Penobscot Chief Kirk Francis said at an honoring ceremony for the men, The Boston Globe reported.

The Maine Legislature passed a resolution that recognizes the Sockalexis cousins for their achievements. It calls on Sports Illustrated to include the men in a list of Maine's 50 greatest athletes.

Get the Story:
Penobscots seek recognition of athletes (The Bangor Daily News 7/29)
Maine bows to tribe’s athletic stars (The Boston Globe 7/29)
Sockalexis Cousins Honored In Indian Island (WABI-TV 7/28)
Maine Indians want athletes honored (AP 7/28)