The Cleveland Indians will eventually feature a new nickname after protests from fans and Native American groups. The decision was announced earlier this month to change the identity they’ve had for over 100 years now, though the official switch won’t happen for at least one more season.
In the meantime, there’s been plenty of speculation as to what their new moniker could be.
The Athletic has come up with a list of interesting proposals that should absolutely warrant consideration by Cleveland management. Take a look and see if any catch your eye.
Cleveland Baseball Club
Going the “Washington Football Team” route. European. Succinct. Old-school. Interesting.
Cleveland Blues
The name of a National League team based in the city from 1879 to 1884. Variations of this name have been proposed as well, including Blue Sox and Bluebirds.
Cleveland Buckeyes
The name of a Cleveland Negro League team in the 1940s. Though it feels like there’s another team in the state that already uses this nickname. We’ll let you know if we think of it.
Cleveland Commodores
A commodore is a naval officer of high rank (and the city is on Lake Erie). Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was a hero of the War of 1812 — particularly during the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie — and there is a statue in Perry’s honor in Public Square in downtown Cleveland. And the people of Cleveland are renowned for loving Lionel Richie.
Cleveland Guardians
This name comes from the Guardians of Traffic — eight art deco sculptures guarding the city’s Hope Memorial Bridge.
You can read the rest of the article here. Which of those proposed name changes grabs you the most?
– – Quotes via Adam Hirshfield and Zack Meisel of The Athletic Link – –
The CleVians baseball
I’m from Cleveland and a long time ‘Indians’ fan. I have lived in SoCal for many years.
Other names that should be considered:
Spiders (former NL team name)
Rocks (Rock n Roll HOF)
Miners (Vast salt mines in area)
The baseball club is the only one I will accept with uniforms displaying Cleveland across the front. Same colors. Any new nickname will be an exit to Cincy fandom for me.
Cleveland WARHAAAAWWWWKKKKSSSSS!!!!!!