CLEVELAND, Ohio – I wrote a column from the Tribe’s last home game as the Cleveland Indians.
It was a nostalgic story, memories of going to games with my dad in the 1960s. For me, there was a certain sadness about the name change to the Guardians. But the big point is the name on the front of the jersey remains the same – Cleveland.
This brought in a lot of emails. The majority liked the story and admitted some grief about the name change. Some were still outraged by the Tribe becoming the Guardians in 2022, and were angry that I didn’t want to continue fighting that culture war.
A significant minority welcome the name change. I’m giving voice to them along with some other views. Here we go, once last discussion (at least from me) on this topic, with readers offering a different tone. I’m using only parts of these emails because most were long, some with more words than this column.
THIS FROM REID: ONE WHITE MALE TO ANOTHER
“I understand that the name change has been hard for some people, yourself included -- but I’ve been disappointed by the columns you’ve written about the move. You have a prominent voice and an opportunity to help people look forward; instead, most of what you’ve written is somber and funereal.
“You say that you don’t want a cultural debate, but something I’ve learned as a white man is that we don’t get to choose neutrality. To be silent, to mourn the loss of familiar and comfortable symbols that make us feel a sense of belonging but remind others that they are subjugated in our society -- that’s complicity, not neutrality.
“I’m 33 years old; I was born and raised in Cleveland. I fell in love with baseball during the 1990s -- great teams that I will remember for my entire life. Now, I love cheering for a team that is savvy and well-run ...
“With that said, as I’ve come to learn more about the experience of non-white and non-male members of our society, it’s made it harder for me to celebrate my Indians’ fandom. I’m ashamed of the name and I feel a deep sense of guilt wearing team gear, not because of pressure from others -- but because I know in my heart that it’s wrong.
“Anyway, I’m thrilled about the change. I can’t wait to cheer on the Guardians and I am so grateful that the franchise made this decision before my children are born -- so that I can proudly buy them T-shirts and hats, with no misgivings about the message of the name or logo that those items bear.”
DEAR REID: I first pushed to change the Chief Wahoo logo in a 1997 column and in my book Our Tribe. Most of my coverage of the name change (about a dozen stories) has been about how and why it came about.
In this image from the Plain Dealer historical photo collection, the playing field at Cleveland Municipal Stadium is shown with lights on for the first night game on June 27, 1939.Cleveland News
THIS FROM CHRIS: FORGET NOSTALGIA
“I’m 56 years old and I grew up with the Indians and I didn’t find Monday to be a “sad, nostalgic” day at all. The Cleveland baseball club has done the right thing by changing the name. This debate has been going on for at least half my life.
“Anyone who professes to be shocked and surprised by this just hasn’t been paying attention. It’s way past time to move on. Nostalgia is not productive. It keeps our minds rooted in the past and distorts our perceptions. If Cleveland fields a winning team next year and can get into the playoffs, the vast majority of fans aren’t going to be sitting around moaning about the name change.”
DEAR CHRIS: I agree, winning brings people together. But it’s not wise to dismiss all nostalgia. What about family history and memories?
THIS FROM BRIAN: YOU CAVED
“I don’t think your dad would cave on the Indians name. I’m 69 years old. I’m hoping I can wean myself off the Indians. I would of respected you more had you not caved.”
DEAR BRIAN: My father probably would not have liked it, but the bottom line for him would be having a team in Cleveland.
FROM ANOTHER CHRIS: SO MANY MEMORIES
“Thanks for the article on the Indians’ last home game. Right on point. I was actually in between the two generations, growing up with Rick Manning and Duane Kuiper and Buddy Bell, but I sure loved it when Jacobs Field was built. So many awesome memories in the last 27 years. I’m sure many more to come!”
DEAR CHRIS: I covered the Tribe for the PD from 1980-84 (before Paul Hoynes). Those were not exactly the glory years. Same for the Tribe teams of my youth in the 1960s. But there is still something special about those memories. Not all nostalgia is bad. Still remember getting my first autograph from Mudcat Grant.
FROM TIM: THE FAMILY TIES
“Your story hits me hard, when you talk about the relationship with your father, and how the Indians loom large in your memories of him. As a son and a father, I feel that very deeply.
“Is the name, and logo of the company that you and he bonded over together really the core of those memories? That’s not for me to say of course, but I like to believe they weren’t, for you, me or anyone.
“Your article mentions the idea that anyone who is sad to lose the Indians name and likeness suffers from feeling immediately being labeled a racist. No doubt some people do such labeling, but I see a lot of defensiveness in that stance.
“I think being invited, or challenged to think about why any of us think nostalgia for a name and likeness is on par with the marginalization of whole subsets of our fellow citizens is something worth leaning in to.”
DEAR TIM: You make some good points.
Rocky Colavito in 1956, his first full season in the majors. He was 22. He's still a favorite to some fans. Plain Dealer historical photo
FROM CAROLYN: WE DO REMEMBER
“My childhood hero being Daddy Wags (Leon Wagner). My sister’s was Rocky (Colavito). My parents have passed but my Indians history is also family history and I think you expressed that in your article.
“My dad was a minister in the Youngstown area and the congregation knew if the sermon was short, we had tickets to the game that day! Five kids in the back of a station wagon, changing Sunday clothes in the car, eating sandwiches packed in a cooler for the drive.”
DEAR CAROLYN: Those were the players whom I grew up with.
FROM JIM: WHAT REALLY MATTERS
“I went to my first Indians game in 1955. While I never found the name “Indians” offensive, I also recognize that I’m a ‘white guy over 70.’ Who am I to truly understand how a Native American reacts to the name? So I’ve accepted and understood the decision to change the name.
“I don’t dislike the name “Guardians,” and I plan to buy some Guardians gear when it becomes available. What’s most important is that the team remains in Cleveland, no matter what nickname comes after that. Nevertheless, the end of an era triggers some emotion, especially on occasions like Monday while watching what I know is the final game the team will play as the Indians at home.”
DEAR JIM: Amen.
FROM LUKE: UPON FURTHER REVIEW
“I have purposely avoided the Indians since they changed their name. I used to go to many games with family, friends, colleagues, etc. Now I won’t even open an e-mail from the organization or watch highlights.
“But, your article today reminded me that relationships with sports teams should be nothing but an opportunity to share experiences with the people we care about. It is a relationship that serves only to enhance the real ones. And boy did I have some great experiences with the people I loved over the years cheering for the Tribe.
“I have two young kids and I asked them how they felt about the name change, along with a brief talk about how it is OK to disagree with people but not be disagreeable. They cared less about the name change. They were just interested to know when we could go to another game together.
“Your article reinforced the need to continue to share that bond over sports with them. And, I suppose I’m more open to sharing a Guardians experience with my kiddos than I was before reading your article.”
DEAR LUKE: A double Amen!!
All Indians signage seen on the last home game of their season at Progressive Field will be replaced with their new name the Guardians next year.John Kuntz, cleveland.com
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