David Bender writes with a message that makes me warm inside:

As an ancestor of Charles Albert Bender and as an American Indian, I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing “Chief Bender’s Burden.” I haven’t read it yet. I actually just discovered it today on the Borders Web site. What led me to the discovery of your book, was that, just today I was talking to my 9-year-old son about baseball (he’s playing his first little league game of the season tomorrow) and I told him that we have an ancestor who is a legend. He was like “yeah right,” so I found him on Wikipedia and the HOF website.

Then I was curious if any books had been written on Chief Bender, that’s when I discovered your book. I can’t wait to read it and share it with my family. I have always wondered why Chief Bender isn’t as famous as Jim Thorpe or Jackie Robinson. It’s my understanding that he is given credit for inventing the slider’ that is a major contribution to the greatest game in the world if you ask me. I hope your book gains notoriety and gives Charles Albert Bender his due in infamy.

Thank you and God bless.

My thanks to you, Mr. Bender, for your kindness. Your son’s first Little League game ... I hope he has as much fun playing as you have watching.

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