The decision of the Cleveland Indians reflects the decision to push the agency to change the name that is now considered discriminatory or racist, in which a plan to change the name that has been used since 1915 was announced. Next season, fans will cheer for the Cleveland Guardians.
Associated Press According to the report, the team’s owner Paul Dolan decided to change the name of the team after the social unrest following the death of George Floyd in 2020. The baseball organization has been deciding over the past year. Best for the name of the team and the city baseball league they represent in the major.
Together, we are all… pic.twitter.com/R5FnT4kv1I
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) July 23, 2021
“We want a name that strongly represents the pride, flexibility and loyalty of the Cleveland team,” Dolan said of the new name. “‘Guardian’ reflects the attributes that define us.”
“It brings to life the pride of Clevelands in our city and the way we work together for all those who choose to be part of the Cleveland baseball family,” he added. “Although the’Indians’ will always be part of our history, our new name will help unite our fans and the city, because we are all the Cleveland Guards.”
The Guardian is a representative of the “Traffic Guardian”, which is two large stone fixtures on the Memorial Bridge of Hope across the Cuyahoga River. The landmark is located near the center of the baseball stadium. The original name of the team was inspired by many tribes in Ohio, but many groups have been protesting this over the years.
congratulate @Indian In their announcement today that they changed their name to the “Cleveland Guardian” to commemorate their beautiful city statues, these statues remind us of our own stone-like guardians who stand in museums and memorials as protectors of peace. pic.twitter.com/vnsq3W2PFm
— National World War I Museum (@TheWWImuseum) July 23, 2021
“This is an important step in correcting the mistakes committed against the indigenous peoples, and it is also a step in achieving justice,” said Crystal Echo Hawk, executive director of IllumiNative, an organization dedicated to combating misrepresentation of indigenous peoples in the Americas.
Criticism is to be expected, because die-hard fans have expressed their opposition to the name change on social media.
I am tired of watching everyone succumb to this crying generation.shameful @Indian. It’s not awake… it’s because of the lack of balls. No one fights anymore! sad. https://t.co/9dlMkwvtTl
— Aubrey Huff (@aubrey_huff) July 23, 2021
However, Chris Antonetti, president of the club’s baseball operations, ensured, “This is a historic moment for our team and we are delighted that our players and staff will make their new debut in 2022. The name of the team,” and, “We look forward to our team proudly representing Cleveland as the guardian.”
Congratulations to the Cleveland Indians for changing its name to the Cleveland Guards! ⚾️
Guardians of Transportation is located at both ends of the Carnegie Avenue Bridge on the Cuyahoga River. It is a landmark of Cleveland!
Love the name change! pic.twitter.com/mbYzqAPKLa
— Michael Estime (@MichaelEstimeWX) July 23, 2021
