Cleveland Indians Willing to Discuss Name Change
Friday, it was announced that the Cleveland Indians were looking to change their team name. The news was first reported by Zack Meisel and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
"We are committed to engaging our community and appropriate stakeholders to determine the best path forward with regard to our team name," the team said in a statement.
Latest details here via @ken_rosenthal and @ZackMeisel ⤵️
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 4, 2020
The news comes just weeks after civil unrest occurred through multiple states of the country. As an organization, the Indians remain committed to honoring their past and finding a way to include all fans regardless of ethnicity. However, this is news that is not going to be easy for many Indians fans to absorb.
After all, the Indians have held that name since the 1915 regular season. The team was called the Cleveland Naps from 1903 until 1914 and originally started as the Cleveland Blues in 1901 and the Cleveland Bronchos in 1902.
Therefore, the Cleveland Indians have a deep history and roots especially throughout Ohio. Although, as a professional sports organization, the Indians know they have to be flexible and willing to change with the times. Given what is going on in the country, the time to be flexible is right now.
Cleveland Indians Release a Statement
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) July 4, 2020
Following the report, the Cleveland Indians officially released the statement featured above. As stated, the Indians will continue to work with their stakeholders to figure out a path that works for everyone.
If a name change does occur, it likely won’t happen this season. With the current Coronavirus pandemic affecting the entire league and the challenges stemming from that, a lot of attention will be given to how to maneuver around those challenges this season. However, the Indians will continue to have discussions regarding the team name on the side.
Disbandment of the Chief Wahoo Logo
Back in 2019 the Cleveland Indians officially announced that Chief Wahoo would no longer be their primary logo. Instead, Cleveland switched to using the Block C logo which is now present on the team’s hats and uniforms.
Following the announcement, there were plenty of controversies. If the Indians do indeed end up changing their name, there will likely be plenty of uproar as well. Although, as with any team name change, it could take some time before a final decision is made.
Regardless, the Indians want to do what’s best for the organization, the local community, and their entire fanbase. As part of those efforts, the Indians have come to the realization that equality is paramount. With the recent events around the country, equality should be at the forefront of any professional sports organization. Now, only time will tell what the team’s name ends up being moving forward.
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