The Cleveland Indians announced via Twitter that it would change the team name after the 2021 season is complete. The tweet is complete with video editing, music, and a voice-over by Tom Hanks talking of the “next era.”
The team has had its iconic name for over 100 years. However, after years of protests over both the name and the Cheif Wahoo logo, a decision has been reached. We introduce to you The Cleveland Guardians.
Together, we are all… pic.twitter.com/R5FnT4kv1I
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) July 23, 2021
The new name comes from the statues, also known as the Guardians, that stand tall along Hope Memorial Bridge. Team Owner and Chairman Paul Dolan made a statement explaining the change.
“We are excited to usher in the next era of the deep history of baseball in Cleveland. Cleveland has and always will be the most important part of our identity. Therefore, we wanted a name that strongly represents the pride, resiliency and loyalty of Clevelanders. ‘Guardians’ reflects those attributes that define us while drawing on the iconic Guardians of Traffic just outside the ballpark on the Hope Memorial Bridge. It brings to life the pride Clevelanders take in our city and the way we fight together for all who choose to be part of the Cleveland baseball family. While ‘Indians’ will always be a part of our history, our new name will help unify our fans and city as we are all Cleveland Guardians.”
There is little surprise that name change is being met with mixed reviews, and social media is not being quiet about this news. From genuine praise and celebration to rants and satire, many people have a strong opinion on the name change and its reason.
And say good riddance to the offensive logo too.
— Stephen Butler (@StevieToronto) July 23, 2021
Did my Cleveland Indians just rename the team?!? pic.twitter.com/owwSFVdSeU
— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) July 23, 2021
Love it
— Ashley Jones-Sabree (@ajoneslaw) July 23, 2021
The Cleveland Indians changed their name to the Guardians and I’m not too happy about it🤬 pic.twitter.com/fe0isWOeAm
— Sir Yacht🛥 (@SirYacht_) July 23, 2021
The Cleveland Indians were one of baseball’s most iconic franchises. It’s going to take some getting used to, but I congratulate the change.
— Joseph Robertson (@Miles_Joseph10) July 23, 2021
https://twitter.com/UltraWeedHater/status/1418601891899002880?s=20
Any name is better than the " cleavland Indians" that's just like having a team called the Dallas blacks…
— Ace boogie (@Acesmith4700) July 23, 2021
The Cleveland team is not a stranger to name changes. The franchise started in 1901 under the name the Blues. Just one season later, they changed to The Broncos, but that didn’t last long either. In 1903 the team officially became the Cleveland Naps, named after Nap Lajoie. Again in 1912, the team officially changed its name to the Molly McGuires but was still called the Naps by fans.
After Lajoie was traded in 1915, the team was given the name Indians and has been that way ever since. This was a nickname used by Louis “Chief” Sockalexis when he played for the old National League Cleveland Spiders.
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