MLB’s Cleveland Team Is Changing Names and Life Will Go On
By: Andrew Martin
Tags: History, Racism, Sports, Baseball, MLB

After holding the same name since 1915, Major League Baseball’s Cleveland team recently announced that they will be changing their controversial name after the 2021 season. While many applauded the move, some decried it as being overly politically correct and part of “cancel culture.” While the team hasn’t decided on a new moniker, the move was long overdue and no matter what they call themselves moving forward, this isn’t anything out of the ordinary and fans will be just fine.

Before going any further, let’s clear up any possible confusion. The name is racist at worst and problematic at best. It was only compounded by their long-time demeaning mascot of Chief Wahoo, which was only recently retired. There is no earthly reason why it has taken this long to move on from something so offensive.

Some point to some Native Americans who have said they don’t mind the long-time Cleveland name. However, whenever this argument is made, the large number of Native Americans (and others) who do find it racist and offensive never seem to get mentioned.

Nothing is being lost by the team changing names. Cleveland has already done it a number of times in the past, including being known at various times as the Naps, Broncos and Bluebirds. The New York Yankees used to be the Highlanders, while the Boston Red Sox have been the Beaneaters, the Americans and the Pilgrims.

On top of the name, location changes occur regularly in professional sports. The Raiders of the NFL have played under the flag of Oakland, Los Angeles and now Las Vegas. Meanwhile, MLB’s Braves (let’s change this name too, already!) has been in Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta.

Ultimately, people who are upset with Cleveland changing their name are not bothered as much because they are tied to a particular name. Rather, they don’t like the idea of being told what to do. It’s seen as an encroachment. If people can influence something like a team name, what else can they change or take away?

Realistically, we don’t get to tell other people if they should or shouldn’t be offended by something. In the same way we would want to be listened to or understood if the roles were reversed, we should grant that grace to those who have made their feelings clear about Cleveland’s baseball team name.

No professional sports team is the same from year to year. Players and coaches/managers move on. Success one season turns into disappointment the next. Fluidity is a constant and changing names is a temporary adjustment that doesn’t impact the history or the future of your favorite club.

If you are against Cleveland changing their name, ask yourself exactly why that is. Other than having to get a new shirt or hat, exactly how much impact will it really have. It doesn’t take away the memories you’ve already created with the team, and certainly doesn’t prevent you from making new ones in the future. There is little cost to right a mistake from the past and make sure the team is welcoming to all.

Change can be hard, especially at first. However, when you take a step back and see its true impact, it’s rarely that bad. Cleveland isn’t doing anything that hasn’t happened many times over in professional baseball and other sports. Digging in because you are upset their current name offends some people says more about you than it does about them. So, get over it and get involved in the search for a new name because it’s happening, and the team and life will keep going on.