FORT GIBSON, Okla. – Cherokee Nation citizen Nic Tolbert has signed to play baseball in the major leagues.

The 265th pick in the Major League Baseball draft, Tolbert, 18, signed with the Miami Marlins on July 18. Tolbert has been playing baseball his entire life and says his love for the sport has continued to grow over the years. 

“When I’m in between the chalk and the lines, I feel free, like nothing can touch me,” he said. “It’s my happy place.”

Tolbert grew up in Fort Gibson, but attended and recently graduated from Oktaha High School, where he played shortstop for the school’s baseball team. 

“The program there is so nice, and the school basically revolves around baseball,” he said. “I am blessed to be able to be a part of that program.”

Tolbert established himself as a strong prospect for professional baseball by concluding his high school career with a total of 58 home runs. In addition, he believes that he led the nation in high school home runs with a total of 20 during the 2026 season.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue his baseball career.

“It’s been really good to me,” he said. “I’m so blessed to be able to continue playing after high school because not many players can even say that they are going to play college ball, so playing pro ball is a blessing in itself.”

Tolbert said he has a strong support system led by his parents.

“My parents have been two of the biggest supporters that I could ever ask for,” he said. “They have always been in my corner. They have sacrificed so much for me to be able to chase this dream and now it’s actually a reality. I owe it all to them. I owe every friend, coach or anybody who has been in my corner throughout my journey so far.”

He also credits God for providing him with the new opportunity.

“I would not be here without his blessing and his grace,” Tolbert said. “I know that he has a plan for me, and I am just trying to walk his path the best way that I can and have him lead me.”

Tolbert, looking ahead, is excited to join his new teammates and learn from them in order to improve as an athlete. 

“Iron sharpens iron, so when I am around the best of the best, I feel like it is only going to make me better, as well,” he said.

As a Cherokee Nation citizen, Tolbert takes pride in his Native American heritage. When he is not on the field or at practice, he enjoys spending time with family at the Cherokee National Holiday in Tahlequah and learning more about his culture.

“I am very proud to say that I am Cherokee,” he said.