"I’m proud to recognize Mr. Golden for his contributions to this Nation, the Native community and the county at large. He exhibited great bravery in playing baseball during a time of the Jim Crow Era and served our country during a time of war,” MCN Principal Chief George Tiger said. “Mr. Golden has created a legacy of greatness within the borders of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation that we can all be proud of. We are proudly issuing a Certificate of Commendation to baseball legend Eugene ‘Goon’ Golden." Born in 1925, Golden attended school in Clearview, Okla. He learned to play baseball in the Nuyaka and Okfuskee communities.
Golden earned the nickname ‘Goon’ while serving during World War II for the U.S. Navy, after the comic book hero, “Typhoon Goon.”
During the Jim Crow Era, he played for the All Negro Baseball League as a pitcher.
Golden said he had a fast ball pitch with a seven foot drop, but had to trade in his glove to provide for his family.“I quit playing baseball to start raising babies,” he said.
Golden has been honored by Oklahoma State Rep. George Young as a Baseball Legend, and by Project A out of Muskogee at the Big Show Legend Event.
He has 15 children, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Golden said he was honored to receive the award from Tiger. “It makes me feel pretty proud and appreciate the recognition,” he said.
Following the ceremonies, Golden (shown seated next to chief George Tiger at right) paused for a photo. With him are: Ronnie Ruth, Sandi Golden, J.R. Golden, George Lane, Sanford Golden and Brenda Golden.
