Charlie Riedel / Associated Press
Cleveland manager Terry Francona is in favor of the team changing its nickname.
Addressing journalists during summer camp on Sunday, Francona said “it’s time to move forward “with a new name.
Francona’s comments come after the team announced Friday that it was looking for options with its nickname:
“We have had ongoing organizational discussions on these issues. The recent social unrest in our community and in our country has only underlined the need for us to continue to improve as an organization on social justice issues.
“With that in mind, we are committed to engaging our community and appropriate stakeholders to determine the best path to follow regarding our team name.
“While the focus of the baseball world shifts to the excitement of an unprecedented 2020 season, we recognize our unique place in the community and are committed to listening, learning, and acting in the way that can best unite and inspire our city and everyone. those who support our team. “
Francona explained that he used to say that the franchise was “never trying to be disrespectful “when asked about the nickname in the past, but”I don’t think it’s a good enough answer today. “
Cleveland previously removed the Chief Wahoo logo from its shirts and hats beginning in the 2019 season. The logo, which had been used in multiple iterations by the franchise since 1947, was replaced by a C-block logo.
The nickname has been in use since 1915 after the franchise went through a series of nicknames from 1900 through ’14, including Lake Shores, Bluebirds, Broncos, and Naps.
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