MLB Guardians Drop the "Indians" Name After Nearly a Century

A New Era Begins in Cleveland

After 107 years, the Cleveland Indians have officially retired their controversial name and adopted a new one: the Cleveland Guardians. The decision, announced on Friday, July 23, 2021, marks a significant shift for the franchise and comes after years of pressure from Native American groups and activists.

A Long-Standing Controversy

The Indians name had been a source of controversy for decades, with critics arguing that it was offensive and disrespectful to Native Americans. In recent years, the team had come under increasing pressure to change its name, especially in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.

In July 2020, the team announced that it would begin the process of reviewing its name. The team's owner, Paul Dolan, said at the time that the review would involve "listening to our community and engaging with Native American groups." The team also announced that it would no longer use the Chief Wahoo logo, which had also been criticized for being racist.

The Guardians Name

The new name, the Guardians, was unveiled on Friday, July 23, 2021. The team said that the name was inspired by the Hope Memorial Bridge, which is located near the team's stadium and features statues of "guardians" that represent the city's history and industry.

The team's new logos feature a stylized "G" that incorporates the shape of the Hope Memorial Bridge. The team's colors will remain the same, and the team will continue to use the Block C logo as a secondary mark.

Reaction to the Name Change

The reaction to the name change has been mixed. Some fans have praised the team for making the change, while others have expressed disappointment. However, the overall consensus is that the name change was necessary and long overdue.

The Cleveland Guardians will begin the 2022 season with their new name. The team hopes that the name change will help to unite the community and create a more inclusive environment for all fans.