Cleveland Indians to wear blue road jerseys in first game to support name change

CLEVELAND – Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor said the team will wear their road uniforms on Friday night at Progressive Field to show their support for the franchise by changing its name.

Road uniforms feature a dark blue upper with “Cleveland” block lettering on the chest. Home uniforms have white or red tops with “Indian” dashes on the chest.

The Indians recently said they were exploring the possibility of changing their name in light of the Washington NFL team to get rid of their Redskins name this summer. Indians have been called for 105 years.

Owner Paul Dolan met with manager Terry Francona and the players earlier this week to discuss the name change.

“Today, as part of that meeting, we are going to use the Cleveland jerseys to make it known that this is a start,” said Lindor. “We hope it is the beginning of a change. We know that change is due and it is time. “

Lindor said that by wearing the Cleveland shirts they are “enlightening minorities” seeking social justice.

“Today, wearing the Cleveland jersey, that’s what we’re doing,” said Lindor. “We are doing it just for today, as I understand it. I am not 100% sure. But it is a good start. It gives us hope that the change will be made.

“We can only change things by having people recognize and educate themselves that change is due and that they recognize that there are certain areas in life that are not right and not where they should be. Doing that today and Paul Dolan allowing us today to wear the Cleveland jersey for opening day is a great statement. I am with my teammates. Support for minorities and people in need of the spotlight. They were there. It is a lifestyle.”

This is believed to be a demonstration of a game in the Cleveland jersey. MLB has rules governing which uniforms teams can wear at home and on the road.

“I guess it’s tonight to make a point,” said Francona. “There could be ongoing conversations. Again there are ramifications with the league. The idea is not to be disrespectful. The idea is to make a point. I think this is a good way to do it. “

Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations, and general manager Mike Chernoff were also at the meeting.

“It’s quite powerful when you have a group of people come together and talk about really difficult and meaningful issues about racial equality and social justice and then, in their own way, they want to make a statement and share their views on that.” Antonetti said “I am grateful that our players have thought about how they approached it, I am grateful that Paul has given them the opportunity to do so. They will have that moment today to share their opinions and perspective. ”

The Indians also practiced batting on shirts and wristbands that supported the Black Lives Matter movement. Most of the shirts said, “End racism.” Some players were expected to wear BLM patches on their uniforms for Friday’s game.

“This has nothing to do with politics,” said Lindor. “Nothing to do with politics. It is a lifestyle. LeBron (James) said it yesterday: it’s a lifestyle. It has nothing to do with politics. The BLM patches that some of the boys will be wearing tonight have nothing to do with politics.

“Life matters. And blacks are in need now. Indigenous people are in need. Minorities in general are in need. We have to go after that. This has nothing to do with politics. I don’t want that none of my colleagues are asked anything about politics. “

New Indian face masks for sale: This is where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed facial liners for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a 3-pack ($ 24.99). All MLB proceeds donated to charities.

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