Cleveland Indians: Chief Wahoo logo going to be removed

The news came down today that, under pressure from MLB, the Cleveland Indians will not be allowed to use the controversial Chief Wahoo logo starting in 2019.

The controversial Chief Wahoo logo that has been under fire in recent years is no longer going to be kept. Here is the statement from MLB regarding the removal of the logo.

There are many Indians fans who have an attachment to the logo, citing its historical and nostalgic value to the team. While there are others around the league and around the country that view the logo as racist and offensive towards Native Americans.

Team owner Paul Dolan tried to emphasize the historical attachment that fans have for the logo, but eventually, he and Commissioner Rob Manfred agreed that Chief Wahoo is no longer appropriate for use.

The Cleveland Indians have been slowly phasing out the logo over the past few years, moving it back behind the “Block C” logo on the team’s hats and using it as a secondary option. However, the phase out was taking a little longer than MLB would have hoped. That is why they decided to make the move now to officially bring the logo to an end.

What does this mean?

2018 will be the final season in which Tribe fans will see their team wearing the Chief Wahoo logo. So if you enjoy the logo and don’t want to see it go, this will be your last chance to see it. According to reports, fans will still be able to purchase items with the logo at the team store and in retail stores around Cleveland. But they will not be able to be purchased on MLB’s website.

The logo will not only be removed from jerseys, but also from signs and banners in Progressive Field.

Another issue is the team name. While some have rallied for the Cleveland Indians to change their name, that does not appear to be happening. In discussions over the removal of the logo, there was reportedly no talk about changing the name of the team.

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While some fans will be upset about the removal of the logo, team owner Paul Dolan has agreed to removing the logo from use, and there’s nothing more that can be done about it.