The Cleveland Indians are finally changing their name after years of being criticized for being racially insensitive.
According to a report from the NY Times, the team will announce next week that they will be dropping the Indians name and will begin exploring their options to rebrand their image.
EXCLUSIVE: For the past 105 years, the team was called the Indians. That will be no more as Cleveland has decided to change its name. Announcement from team could come as early as this week. w/@DavidWaldstein https://t.co/Nnw2nAoKcJ
— Michael S. Schmidt (@nytmike) December 14, 2020
Via NY Times
It is not immediately clear what Cleveland’s exact steps will be beyond dropping the Indians name. The transition to a new name involves many logistical considerations, including work with uniform manufacturers and companies that produce other team equipment and stadium signage.
One option that the team is considering, two of the people said, is moving forward without a replacement name — similar to how the Washington Football Team proceeded — then coming up with a new name in consultation with the public.
After the name change news broke, fans immediately had suggestions for what the team’s new name should be.
The Cleveland baseball team should name itself the Cleveland Rocks. pic.twitter.com/awPDyVe8Ea
— John (@JFMclem) December 14, 2020
The Cleveland Baseball Team should be named the Cleveland Spiders ….Don't @ me ….. pic.twitter.com/lk4AoyZ7yK
— Disgusted Messi (@DontAtMe781) December 14, 2020
Cleveland Baseball Team? https://t.co/b9XxO8tpD6
— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) December 14, 2020
Say hello to the Cleveland Baseball Team pic.twitter.com/VJ0vFGpQ2L
— 🗝️ (@NotAPhilsFan) December 14, 2020
The Cleveland Cleveland’s pic.twitter.com/XHK5A2jtiY
— Motion🇨🇦 (@TheOGMotion) December 14, 2020
— A.J. (@FreyDaddy4) December 14, 2020
The Cleveland *REDACTED* Baseball Team https://t.co/XNk7F1qHyZ
— Ac (@kidfromindy) December 14, 2020