Chief Wahoo: The History of a Controversial Icon

June 9, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher

(63) against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Phasing Out an Icon

And here we are. Some 60-plus years after his inception, Chief Wahoo finally seems to be on his way out as the primary logo for the Cleveland Indians. It’s a change that we have seen coming for quite some time.

During the early 2000’s, the Indians tried to shift attention away from Chief Wahoo through the use of the Script I. Appearing on hats, uniforms, and even as soft pretzels throughout the ball park, the Script I was meant to serve as a non-controversial alternative to the racially insensitive Chief Wahoo. Unfortunately, whether it was due to a lack of commitment from the organization or indifference from fans, the Script I never really gained a solid foothold within the fan base.

Now the Indians have begun heavily using the Block C logo. It originally appeared as the main logo associated with the team’s alternate home uniform set. Adorning what was originally the navy cap, the Block C began as an innocent novelty. After a few seasons of limited usage, the Block C came to the forefront in 2011. With the redesign of the road uniforms, the Indians removed Chief Wahoo from the road sets all together. Gradually, the Block C began appearing everywhere including online at MLB.com, on merchandise, and around the Indians spring training complex and Progressive Field. Intentions became clear during last years all-star game when not a single piece of Indians merchandise at the event was adorned with the Indians primary logo.

Whether there is truth to the rumor or not, actions speak louder than words. We can see for ourselves that Chief Wahoo continues to become less prevalent. It’s a necessary change. Given the climate surrounding political correctness and racial equality in 2014, there is no way that any professional or college sports team should be able to continue using imagery that is so blatantly offensive. So even though we may be nearing the end of the line with Chief Wahoo, we will always have the memories of all the time spent together.