Northwest Notes: Nov. 9, 2023

Spokane Indians honored during 

Baseball Fall Meetings

The Spokane Indians were honored yesterday at baseball’s annual Fall Meetings with the 2023 CommUNITY Champion Award in recognition of the team’s continuing commitment to the Spokane region. 

“As the community’s baseball team since 1903, we’re proud to serve our entire area with several community campaigns, initiatives, and events,” said Otto Klein, Spokane Indians Senior Vice President. “We’re honored to call Spokane home, and committed to improving our community for years to come.”  

Professional baseball has a long and storied history in Spokane, and after 37 years as a short-season affiliate in the Northwest League, the Indians returned to full season ball in 2021. The club has taken advantage of the longer season to extend its impact in the Spokane community through a variety of programs and initiatives.

As a leader in the Spokane community, the Indians have acknowledged the importance of respect and inclusion with the team’s namesake, the Spokane Tribe of Indians, setting an example for respectful relationships with Native communities in sports.

Their efforts to collaborate with the tribe include an annual Native Culture Day at Avista Stadium, which in 2023 included a ceremonial first pitch by Junior Miss Spokane and Spokane Tribal Member, Arawyn Dillon, and the singing of the National Anthem by Spokane Tribal Member Dakota Moses, who performed the song in Salish.

Chiefs’ Cheveldayoff suspended five games

Spokane Chiefs overage forward Ty Cheveldayoff was suspended five games by the Western Hockey League following a checking to the head major penalty on November 4 in Tri-City. Cheveldayoff will be eligible to return on Friday, Nov. 24 at Wenatchee.

Additionally, rookie forward Chase Harrington is competing with Team Canada Red at the World U17 Hockey Challenge and will miss both games this weekend.