The year was 2009. I was off to college and I had just bought a Playstation 3 for the dorm room, along with MLB The Show 2009. Me and my roommate were big baseball fans so we decided to start up a season to play when we were hanging out in the dorm room. But we weren’t going to play a shortened season (or a full season with some games simulated). We decided we were in it for the long haul. We wanted to do things right. Therefore, the complete 162-game season was our plan. And if you’re going to invest in such a time-consuming thing as that, picking your team is a big deal. We chose the Cleveland Indians.

That fall day when we chose the Indians, I was proud to wear the classic Cleveland jersey every game I went to battle with a controller in my hands. And more so, I was proud to rep Chief Wahoo, one of the coolest logos in sports. Cleveland felt like home. The city embraced me and I embraced the city. Unlike LeBron, I never would have dreamt of leaving. I was a Cleveland Indian.

Of course I don’t have to remind you of the team’s success that magical 2009 season. But I will. We endured the strenuous 162 games, battling day in and day out. Some days a double header was in store, while other days triple headers were played. I can’t remember but I wouldn’t be surprised if we had a four-game day or two. Fingers cramped and eye-sights were strained, but home runs were hit and complete games were thrown. Throughout 162, the Indians lost 17 games, setting the record for the best season of all time. And I don’t have to tell you, but when you go through a special season such as that, you feel even more connected to your teammates, coaches, fans, and the city. It was a special, special time to be an Indian.

The playoffs came and went, and of course we ran through each team, putting up video game-like numbers. I don’t know what it was, but everyone was just zoned in once playoffs arrived. The World Series wasn’t a very memorable one for general baseball fans, as we dropped the Phillies in four quick games, bringing home the hardware that LeBron was so desperate to bring the city first. That’s why he jumped ship to Miami the following summer, but that’s another story. The Indians were the kings of Cleveland and the baseball world.

Of course the next season wasn’t as special. If you remember that’s when Major League Baseball went on strike after a strong 25 game start for the Indians, or in other words, when we moved out of the dorm. But I say all of this because it helps emphasize just how engrained I am to the Cleveland Indian family. Therefore my opinion on the recent news of Cleveland dropping their “Indians” nickname of more than a century should be highly regarded.

Chief WahooCleveland Indians — Chief Wahoo
Cleveland Indians

First off, I would like to express disbelief. I cannot believe we have come to this. Ten years ago I never could have imagined the Indians would not be associated with the great city of Cleveland. Secondly, I would like to express extreme disappointment. Baseball fans want the Indians. Cleveland fans want the Indians. Former/current players want the Indians. The vast majority of Native Americans want the Indians. The ones (mostly) who have been pushing a name change are people who don’t even watch baseball or care about our beloved team. Forget “majority rules.” Instead it’s “minority rules.”

The next thing I’d like to bring up is the question of how the nickname is offensive in the first place? In no way is the franchise making fun or mocking Native Americans. That is not the purpose of any nickname/mascot. Why would a team want to call themselves after something they don’t respect? A nickname is something that represents the entire franchise, it’s fans, and the city. Therefore I don’t think any team would willingly choose a nickname they want to make a mockery of. Are the Yankees making fun of inhabitants of the United States, or the northeastern territory? Are the Pirates making fun of the intimidating guys who made their living by robbing people on the seas? Are the Rangers making fun of the Texas law enforcers? What about the Mariners and all the sailors? The answer is a clear-cut no, and it’s the exact same with the Indians. Native Americans are people I respect deeply for their culture and contributions to this country, and I can’t think of a better way to honor them than by using their namesake to represent a major U.S. sports team.

For over 100 years Cleveland has been the Indians. Beginning after the 2021 season that identity will change. But not only that, everything that the franchise has built up to this point will be affected. The culture, the pride, the legacy will all be changed with a simple name change. It will feel exactly like a brand new franchise has moved into town to replace the Indians. All the special accomplishments, including my fantastic 2009 season will feel like accomplishments from another franchise. I can guarantee this decision will cost the team fans. I can also guarantee this decision will cost the team revenue. But hey, at least those few people who don’t even care about baseball will be happy (they actually won’t because those type of people are never happy and will move on to something else to complain about). It’s a sad day to be a Cleveland Indian.

Garett

From a Former Cleveland Indian: My Opinion of Dropping the Nickname