After much speculation throughout the past few decades, Cleveland Indians will be changing their team name in 2022. Owner Paul Dolan made that announcement back in December. While there have been many theories to why they were named the Indians to begin with, one thing is for certain. The name was never to hurt, but to honor Native American culture.
Last season, Paul Dolan did make an intelligent move by having a meeting with Native American leaders regarding the name. If he were to approach anyone about it, it should be them. While those meetings were closed door and nobody on the outside knows exactly what was said, there have been mixed reviews from the Native American community. Some felt the name was not offensive, but former logo Chief Wahoo was indeed offensive. There were those who did it like anything about the organization, and there were some that loved everything about the team.
In the past, there were surveys made to Native Americans regarding sport team names representing their heritage. While some surveys were questionable, the results were consistent. Many Natives were either positive or neutral about the subject. The most popular being, believe it or not, the Washington Redskins who ditched the name going into the 2020 NFL season.
There are many around the world who will believe Paul Dolan is making the change due to moral reasons. I, unfortunately, don’t know many Native Americans. The ones I do know love the team name and enjoy wearing Chief Wahoo ball caps. But I do know business men. This is a business move. A risky one, but a move the Dolan family had to make.
Since the Dolans took over the team in 2000, they have consistently made fans watch franchise players leave or traded to other organizations. As a result, ticket sales have not been up to par from what the Jacobs family saw in the 1990’s. Manager Terry Francona has been with the team since 2012 and has had similar success of those 90’s Indians teams. But the stadium doesn’t start getting consistantly packed until late August. Why? Fans are tired of the player over turn. Yes, this is where a salary cap helps, but you still need owners to pay up to keep players on the team. It didn’t get any better for the Dolans after having a fanless 2020 season.
Fans are not filling the stands. Serious loss of money in 2020. The lease for the stadium is up in 2023. The writing is on the wall, and Paul Dolan can’t find a buyer with a “controversial” team name. From now to 2023, expect to hear news regarding a sale of Cleveland’s professional baseball team. Whatever their name will be by then.
For me personally, I’ll always like the name. Again, it was never made to hurt anyone. I do believe the organization should have gotten more involved with Native American groups to help honor their heritage more. Chief Wahoo was a caricature based off on old comic strip called The Little Indian. He was made to be fun and goofy, not bash an entire race. While many naysayers will write the team off due to their “racist” team name, no team in professional basebalk broke more race barriers than the Cleveland Indians.
As for the “activists” who think this is some big win for their ego’s, I got some bad news for them. Not only will nobody remember their names when this is all over, but they won’t be involved in some more serious issues regarding the Native American community. They’ll sit at home with their over priced Starbucks coffee, tweeting about how much better life is now that a professional sports team they would never care about changed their name. They won’t buy tickets to see the team after the name change. They’ll just move on to some other trend that won’t be relevant to their lives, and continue to rely on social media as an outlet to their fake persona. And what is with the bashing of Slider?! They keep hashtaging NOTyourmascot but the purple monster, Slider, did nothing wrong?! Obviously, they think Chief Wahoo and Native Americans have been the team mascot, but once again they can’t get their information right.
But I digress.
The name change is coming whether we like it or not. I decided to have a little fun with it. So here is a list of names that should and should never be in consideration for the Cleveland Indians after the 2021 season.
Name ideas that should be tossed, burned, and never brought up again.
Warriors
This one has been picking up steam of late, and I absolutely hate it. Sure, Warriors could pass as a similar attitude and idea that Indians would represent. However, looking at the big picture, this is a smack in the face to the fans and city. Even though it is a different sport, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeating the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals was the best Cleveland sports moment of all time. Naming the team the same name of the foe the Cavs went against for 4 straight Finals is insulting to say the least. The fact their considering it makes my stomach turn.
Spiders
Another popular name idea that needs to go. It is cheesy and it really has nothing to do with the city. Yes, there was a Cleveland Spiders team at a point of time. They were in the National League and did not become the Indians team you know today. They also were one of the worst teams in professional bassball history. Why would fans want to honor that is beyond me. Many people don’t like spiders. I do like Spider Man, but spiders can just stay in their web and off the field.
Forrest Cities
I swear some nerd with no idea how baseball is played came up with this one. Maybe it was Paul Dolan. Who knows? Terrible idea. I rather take Cleveland Baseball Team over this sorry attempt, and I hate that name too.
Naps
The team was called the Cleveland Naps from 1896 to 1916, after their player-manager Napoleon LaJoie. It was so long ago that most fans today couldn’t name him when talking about the team’s all time greatest players. So why is that name coming up again? I have a close friend who thinks the hipster community of Cleveland is pulling hard for that one due to the unique history behind it. If he’s right, the hipsters have bland, poor taste in music AND sports team names. If they did name it the Naps, those hipsters wouldn’t go to the games anyway. They would be too busy blogging at Starbucks with the wannabe activists about how they figured out the world’s problems by watching a documentary on Netflix about Europe gender studies, while listening to Indie folk rock music on Sound Cloud. Along with the hipster ideology, throw the Naps away.
Citizens
Back in December, a report leaked out Major League Baseball bought the rights to the name the Cleveland Citizens. Since then, MLB has bought more rights to other names for Cleveland. However, that tells me the Citizens is under consideration. Even though the Indians lead the league in foriegn players becoming US citizens and it gives them a chance to keep the block C logo, this name is lame. I also look at it as the opposite attitude from the Indians name. Instead of honoring the orginal Americans they are only honoring the legal Americans. In that sense, it would be a smack in the face of the political correct society which would be hilarious. They would trick themselves into supporting a name that is against their political beliefs. But I still rather not see it happen.
Clinics
The Dolans have been known to sell pieces of the team to corporations just to make some more dough. One prime example was selling the stadium naming rights to Progressive Insurance. There has been a rumor floating around they maybe doing the same for the team name. If so, expect Cleveland Clinic to have a hand in it. Yes, the Clinics has been brought up as a possibility. It makes sense if you think about it. Such a Cleveland thing to do. Not a fan of the hospital nor of the name. I can’t imagine supporting such a thing.
Name ideas I would enjoy that have a low chance of being considered.
Chimaira
While many Indians fans probably don’t listen to heavy metal music, this one would be fun for almost anyone. It is a matter of opinion, but to me the best metal band to come out of the Cleveland area was Chimaira. They were named after the Greek mythology creature Chimera which was a female fire-breathing monster with a lion’s head, goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail. Right there, you have a bad ass logo. You name the team after a heavy titan from your area and mystical creature. If rolls of the tongue well too. Cleveland Chimaira. No, I don’t think they would actually go for it.
Scare
Ohio is home to the most haunted houses and the birthplace of the most serial killers in US history. So why not a horror themed team name? Halloween all summer long at the ball park!!! I’m down to keep the traditional team colors, but for this team name I’m thinking more black and orange. While I know the Dolans wouldn’t seriously consider this name, it may have a better chance in the minor leagues. Seriously! Look at some of the wacky names the minor leagues allow. The Scare is a realistic minor league team name.
Force
Before the Cleveland Crunch indoor soccer team was winning multiple championships, they were known as the Force. They had a blow up Darth Vader and everything. A tribute to that name could be fun. Star Wars theme and everything.
Caucasians
You read that right. You’ll see hippies walk around with their Cleveland Caucasian shirts out hoping to get negative reactions from Tribe fans. I say do it. DO . . . IT!!!! Make a team that honors white culture. The hippies would throw away their shirts immediately and get butt hurt about it, but I would love it!! Get a cartoony logo like the Hungry Howies guy and stick it everywhere. People can white face at the games for all I care, as long as their supporting the team. But my point being, name the team after white people as they did with the Indians and you won’t hear a complaint out of me. Unfortunately, they wouldn’t have the balls to make that decision.
Latinos
For those who don’t know, the Indians have the largest amount of latino players in all MLB. From the minors to the current roster. I think it’s great!! Many teams across professional sports are recognizing Latin heritage more and more. Why not name the team after them? Talk to the players and see how they feel about it. If they dig the idea, come up with a logo they can agree fits the new team image. If the latino players are involved and agree with the direction, no one can play the racist card. I would encourage the organization to get involved in charity work that helps latino communities. That way, they honor them more than one way. It’s a good PR move.
Coochies
I know what you’re thinking already. Have I lost my mind?! Many years ago I did. Knowing it will never be considered, hear me out for my personal entertainment. A team named to honor women. Now before you get mad, I’m not saying women should only be known for having a vagina. Even though the vagina is an impressive body part for several reasons. It’s just a fun name that comes with many marketing ideas.
They could change the team colors to pink and white. They could touch up the block C logo to make it more feminine. When the team starts rallying back in the game the fans could yell, “CCCOOOOOOOCCCHHHHHIIIIIIEEEEESSSSS!!!!” Could you imagine ladies night at these games? The best in the league, I’ll tell you what. They could add a mascot next to Slider called Coochie Daddy. A pimp looking mascot with a top hat and cane. The kids would love it!!!
In all reality, the feminist groups would loose their minds, the female fan base would give mixed reviews, and parents don’t want their kids asking to get their picture taken with Coochie Daddy. So it isn’t a great idea. I’ll just make it happen on MLB the Show video game.
Name ideas I would enjoy that would be heavily considered, but most likely wouldn’t make the final cut.
Guardians
This one is supposly on the favorites list among fans, but I don’t see ownership going forward with it. It was already stated by Paul Dolan that the team would not receive a new name that is Native American themed. While the Guardians is not my personal favorite choice, it is the closest name they’ll get to keeping the tribal attitude. It opens up many unique ideas for new logos. While I haven’t quite agreed with many names the public had brought up, this one sits well with me.
Gladiators
There was already a Cleveland Gladiators team from 2008 to 2017. It was an Arena Football League team that played in Quicken Loans Arena (now Rocket Mortgage Field House), and was owned by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert. The AFL disbanded in 2019. Since the league and the team are no longer in business, it could open the door to bringing the name back to Cleveland. I’m not sure if that would involved the Dolans buying the naming rights from Dan Gilbert, but it is a sharp name and it’s familiar to the fan base. It’s like watching an old friend come back to a bigger role.
Fellers
This one has been brought up several times by old school Tribe fans. Bob Feller was at a time the best pitcher in the game. Only pitcher to throw an opening day no-hitter, and he had 3 no-hitters total. He was an 8 time all-star, 7 time strikeout leader, and 6 time American league wins leader. He also was a key member of the 1948 World Series team.
While I don’t mind the idea, I think there is more they could do for the name than just name it after a legend. I put this one on the list because I would still perfer it over the six names I mentioned on the never list. If they’re thinking about going this route, it wouldn’t bother me.
Wildthings
This one is a reach but every hardcore Tribe fan would love to see it happen. If you’re not familar with the movie Major League, stop reading this and check it out. Seriously, it’s a classic, but the sequel is better. Anyway, before the 1990’s Indians turned the franchise around, the team was garbage for three decades. So a comedy baseball movie was made about a fictional Cleveland Indians team going to the 1989 World Series.
In the movie, Charlie Sheen plays an ex-convict named Ricky “Wildthing” Vaughn who becomes a star pitcher for the Indians. Everytime he entered the game they would play “Wild Thing” by The Troggs. There is talk about giving the nickname to current Indians reliever James Karinchak because he wears number 99 and throws hard like Vaughn does in the film.
I don’t see this name being taken as seriously among the Dolan round table, but I can honestly see it considered based on the film’s history with the fans. The best idea would be to win as much of the fans over as possible, and I think this would help their case. That is assuming they care that much about the fans.
Fire
There is a Major League Soccer team called Chicago Fire FC, which got their name from the Chicago fire that burned the city for 3 days in 1871. Not as brutal as that fire, but Lake Erie around Cleveland caught fire in 1969 starting one of the biggest environmental revolutions. This name idea may not be as sexy as the rest, but it would stand a realistic chance to be in consideration. Most team names in sports come from a city’s history and legacy. If that’s a direction the Dolans want to go then this one fits the mold.
My top name choices that have a legit chance of replacing the Indians.
Dobys
Similar idea from the Fellers. Naming it after a legendary Indian. Larry Doby was the first black player to play in the American League and second next to Jackie Robinson to play in Major League Baseball. He played for the Indians from 1947 to 1955. In his time in Cleveland he was a 7 time All-Star, 2 time home run leader, and helped win the 1948 World Series. Just like Feller, his number is retired, he has a statue outside the stadium, and he is in the Hall of Fame.
I like calling the team the Dobys more than the Fellers due to the racial barriers Larry Doby broke when he played for Cleveland. If they can no longer honor Native American history in Cleveland, then the team can honor their accomplishments in equality. Thank you for your bravery and success in the game, Mr. Doby.
Heroes
Think about it. A super hero themed major league team. The idea is based off of Superman being orginally made in Cleveland. How has this not come up?! Something that would be fun, fitting, and profitable. Seriously?! I can’t be the only one who digs the idea?! They could run special events for local heroes such as medical teams, police, firefighters, ect. There are so many ideas!!! Dolans would be out of their mind if they’re against it!
Buckeyes
So with this one there is the obvious. Ohio is the Buckeye state. The Ohio State University has a successful athletic program and the team name is called the Buckeyes. While some fans from Northeast Ohio think it’s too Columbus like, it’s not. It’s actually been done before and it fits the Cleveland Indians history.
The Cleveland Buckeyes were a Negro League team from 1942 to 1950. They went to two Negro League World Series and won one. Throughout the past few decades, MLB has been slowly including Negro League players and statistics in part of its history. Unfortunately, Negro League stats were not all recorded and lost throughout the years.
This team name represents Ohio, it honors the Negro Leagues, and honors a special group of men that made Cleveland proud at a time. It fits the Indians history of breaking down several racial barriers including first black player in the American League (Larry Doby), first black position player in the World Series (Larry Doby), first black pitcher to pitch in the World Series (Satchel Paige), and first black manager in MLB history (Frank Robinson). This, plus having the first Native American player and their current Latino program is why I laugh when haters call this team racist. Please!!! Indians have broken more racial barriers than any team in sports! Anyway, I’m cool with bringing the Buckeyes to Cleveland.
Americans
A similar idea to the New England Patriots. The colors are red, white, and blue. If they can’t honor Native Americans, then let’s honor all Americans. Let freedom reign in Cleveland!! Have special days for our veterans and do charities for veterans in need. They would most likely keep most of their current fans and add new ones in the process. Don’t tell us not to play the National Anthem! In Cleveland we’ll play it twice!!! MURICA!! *Fireworks explode into a logo of a bad ass bald eagle with a baseball*
Rockers
Being a hard rock and heavy metal guy I can’t help but love this one. If I was put at gun point and had to pick out the name to replace the Indians, this would be it right here. The Rock ‘n Roll city deserves a team with a rockin name. This is one of the popular ideas I absolutely dig! Seeing the guitar logo for the 2019 All-Star game was just brillant! I can’t say enough about this idea. Just do the logo right and keep the colors. Then all my complaints would just be front office moves because the Dolans are broke.
Until the right or wrong decision is made, GO TRIBE 2021!!!!
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