New Name Of The Cleveland Baseball Team
The Cleveland Baseball Team, formerly known as the Cleveland Indians, has officially changed its name after years of controversy surrounding the use of Native American imagery and the team name.
The decision to change the team's name was announced in December 2020, after years of discussions and protests about the use of the name and logo, which many considered to be offensive and racist. The team began the process of selecting a new name by engaging with fans, community leaders, and local Native American groups to gather feedback and ideas.
The Decision to Change the Name
The decision to change the team's name came after years of pressure from Native American groups and others who argued that the use of the name and logo was insensitive and disrespectful. While the team had made some changes to its branding over the years, such as phasing out the "Chief Wahoo" logo, many felt that these changes were not enough and that a full rebranding was necessary.
In 2018, the team announced that it would be phasing out the controversial Chief Wahoo logo, which had been the team's primary logo since 1947. The logo featured a cartoonish caricature of a Native American with bright red skin and a large, exaggerated nose. While the team continued to use the name "Indians," the decision to phase out the logo was seen as a step in the right direction by many.
However, many Native American groups and activists continued to call for a complete rebranding, arguing that the name "Indians" was still offensive and that the team needed to choose a new name that was not based on a racial or ethnic stereotype.
The Selection Process
After months of discussions and consultations with various stakeholders, the team announced its new name in July 2021. The new name, which was chosen from a list of over 1,000 submissions, is the Cleveland Guardians.
The team explained that the name "Guardians" was chosen in part because of its connection to the city of Cleveland. The city is home to several large statues of "guardians" on the Hope Memorial Bridge, which spans the Cuyahoga River near the team's stadium. The statues, which were installed in the 1930s, depict figures representing progress, industry, and hope.
The team also noted that the name reflects the team's commitment to guarding and protecting its home field and the city of Cleveland. In a statement announcing the new name, team owner Paul Dolan said, "We are excited to usher in the next era of the deep history of baseball in Cleveland."
Reaction to the Name Change
The announcement of the new name has been met with a range of reactions from fans and observers. While many have praised the team for choosing a name that is more inclusive and respectful, others have criticized the decision as being overly politically correct or unnecessary.
Some fans have expressed disappointment that the team is changing its name at all, arguing that the name "Indians" was not intended to be derogatory and that it has been a part of the team's identity for over a century. Others have suggested alternative names that they feel would be more appropriate, such as the Cleveland Spiders or the Cleveland Rockers.
Despite these differing opinions, the team has said that it is committed to moving forward with the new name and that it hopes fans will embrace it as a symbol of the team's commitment to inclusivity and respect.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Baseball Team's decision to change its name to the Cleveland Guardians marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about representation and respect in sports. While some fans may be disappointed by the change, it is important to recognize that the new name is a step forward in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for fans, players, and communities alike.