The time has finally come for Cleveland—and some have been waiting since 1915 for this decision when the Indians originally got their team name.
Starting in 2022, the once Cleveland Indians will officially become the Cleveland Guardians; they will finish out the 2021 season with the Indian name and logo.
Cleveland’s MLB website already shows big changes, such as the new logo and name, along with what it truly means to be a Guardian.
“To protect, to keep watch, to defend. For Clevelanders, this is a way of life. We fight together for what we believe in. And if we get knocked down, we pick each other right back up and keep fighting. We’re resilient, hard-working, and loyal—to this city and to each other. That’s what it means to be Cleveland Guardians.”
Image Credit MLB Cleveland Guardians
According to the MLB website, Cleveland fans played a major role in making the decision to create a more culturally appropriate name.
They give thanks for all of the input they received from their fans throughout this process, including:
- 140 hours of interviews with fans, community leaders, and front office personnel
- More than 40,000 fans surveyed
- 4,000 fans sign up to participate in research via the team name website
The process that the owner, Paul Dolan, and the manager, Terry Francona, both support.
What do fans and Native Americans think about the name change?
While there are mixed opinions, there seems to be an overall positive sentiment around the switch from Indians to Guardians.
Some contend this is just another excuse to “cancel culture,” while others feel the blowback will blow over and true fans of the organization will continue to root for their team.
In an ESPN article, Dolan gave his take on the switch.
“We do feel like we're doing the right thing and that's what's driving this,” Dolan said. “I know some people disagree, but if anything I've gotten more and more comfortable that we're headed in the right direction. And actually, the selection of the name solidifies that feeling because of the values that the name represents.”
Dolan said he knows there's a portion of Cleveland's fan base that might never accept the change.
When browsing social media and online news outlets, there will always be opponents to the switch, some of whom may show their ignorance for the reason why the name must change.
May the Cleveland Guardians be an example for other teams around the country and for sports teams going forward.
Take a few minutes to watch the inspirational video on the long-awaited name change—where “Cleveland is the best part of our name.”
