The name change/redesigned logo is not without controversy, either in Cleveland or among baseball fans nationally. Cleveland had carried the name ‘Indians’ since 1915.
For decades, Native American groups have protested the use of the Chief Wahoo logo and reference to the team name as the “Indians.” Conversely, a segment of the baseball public has held tightly to a different preference–to retain the team’s historic name and logo. The back-and-forth was finally resolved by team ownership and MLB in favor of change.
Cleveland owner Paul Dolan: Cleveland has and always will be the most important part of our identity. We wanted a name that strongly represents the pride, resiliency, and loyalty of Clevelanders. ‘Guardians’ reflects those attributes that define us.
Reports indicate that Cleveland will retain the team’s current colors. Dropped will be the Wahoo logo in favor of a new scheme that incorporates the Hope Memorial Bridge, which spans the Cuyahoga River.
While there’s always something to be said about history, but prejudice and racism are features of history. The shift to ‘The Guardians” represents positive social change.
Go, Guardians!
