The Cleveland Indians have changed their mascot name to the “Guardians,” the baseball team announced Friday.
Like other pro franchises, the team for years faced charges its name and logo were offensive to Native Americans.
Cleveland follows the Washington Football Team, which dropped its “Redskins” moniker last year, though it is a huge change for a ball club that’s been called the Indians since 1915.
A video narrated by actor Tom Hanks traced the club’s history in the city before revealing the new name.
“We are loyal and proud and resilient. We protect what we’ve earned and always defend it,” Mr. Hanks says over dramatic footage of the skyline and a highlight reel from the diamond.
The name is a clear nod to the “Guardians of Transportation” — the large art deco statues that tower above the Hope Memorial Bridge spanning the Cuyahoga River between downtown Cleveland and the Ohio City neighborhood.
New team logos depict the name “Guardians” in a sharp red cursive with a blue border and underline from the “s,” akin to the existing uniform, and a large “Gs” on either side of a baseball with wings shooting out from the letters.
Online reaction was mixed, with some saying it was a good choice that pays homage to its architecture, while others said the announcement should have acknowledged why the name is changing.
