Sandman comes from a Native American tribe, which he had become ostracized from for embracing the "white man's" culture. He believes that the only way to stop the encroachment of his tribe's land is to play by the settlers' rules, thus he enters the Steel Ball Run race hoping to use the prize money to buy back his ancestor's land and protect his tribe. Sandman establishes himself as one of the fiercest and unique competitors in the horse race, choosing to travel completely on foot.