The irony of Francisco Lindor advocating for the name change of the Cleveland Indians: Hello Hoynsie

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Hi Hoynsie. I’m sure I’m glad to see baseball again. I wonder why we should get bogged down in what an individual player thinks about name, tradition, etc. of the Indians. I love to watch Frankie Lindor play, but we all know he’s playing for his Yankees contract right now. I love the Indians. My children too. Why should we sacrifice ourselves for the opinion of a temporary employee? – Daniel Hawk.

Hello Daniel It’s good to see baseball return, but I’m not sure what you’re sacrificing. I found it ironic that Lindor was the player to explain the team’s decision to advocate for a name change by wearing his road jerseys (which said Cleveland instead of Indians) on Friday night in the first game of the season at Progressive Field , when it could be changed after the season. The Indians have been called Indians for 105 years and Lindor could have left before the start of next season.

Owner Paul Dolan said the organization will speak to all interested parties about exploring a name change for the franchise. That includes generations of fans who have known them as the Indians. That’s good because they deserve to be heard.

The process could take up to a couple of years, but changes are coming.

Hi Hoynsie. As Little Leaguer I always identified more with the Indians than with the Browns or the Cavs. But, even as a teenager, I began to realize how inappropriate it is for sports teams to use humans / cultures / ethnicities as pets. For over 40 years, I have supported Indians emotionally and financially, and yet I was always ashamed that they were still called Indians.

What Frankie Lindor, I think, was trying to convey on Friday night, is that it shouldn’t be a matter of political background or persuasion to do the right thing. I think it is being transcendent. It is high time that the less powerful minorities of our great nation have to endure the indignities of serving as mascots for sports teams. I’m so relieved that someone in charge finally does what should have been done a long time ago – Robert A. Roller.

Hello, Robert: I think lifelong fans like you deserve to be heard as much, if not more, than Lindor and his teammates. How many of the Indians today will continue to play in Cleveland in two, three, or four years? Fans are usually fans for life. I appreciate your point of view.

Hi Hoynsie. What chance does it give the Indians to win the American League Central or make the playoffs? – Brent Hodkey, Amherst.

Hi Brent: I chose the Twins to win the American League Central League, but if the Indians can’t extend the postseason (the field has gone from 10 to 16 teams), then something has really gone wrong. In the postseason, I think they could be a dangerous team due to their initial rotations.

Hi Hoynsie. Now that that Brad Mills bank has retired, will manager Terry Francona consider retirement rather than face rebuilding? – Brent, Hunting Valley.

Hi Brent: I think you are drawing many conclusions. Brad Mills retired from this season for family reasons. I have not heard anything about his retirement. Francona is signed until 2022. As for a rebuild, let’s wait to see what happens after this season.

Hi Hoynsie. Is Mike Clevinger ready? I feel like I could have used more time and built some confidence in his left knee. When he is completely healthy, he is one of the best baseball pitchers. Do you think I could have won a bit more with some additional “starts” at Classic Park in Eastlake? – Tom, Mount Vernon.

Hey Tom: To be sure, each personal launcher could have benefited from an additional week or two of work in the Spring Training II short hours. Clevinger had five innings in his last start, struck out five and walked one against the Pirates. He’s starting Saturday against the Royals, so we’ll know more after the game, but there’s no way the Indians will let him pitch if they don’t think he’s ready.

Hi Hoynsie. It seemed that the Indians were demonstrating some offense in Spring Training II. But the top of the lineup looked pathetic against Danny Duffy of Kansas City on Friday night. They had just five and the runs were spawned from the bottom of the lineup. What gives? – Slam effect.

Hello Slam: You forgot a small item, the Indians won the game. It was his first game of the season. Take a deep breath and remember that starting hitter César Hernández drove in the second run of the game.

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

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