Discomfort after years of continued complaints, and lawsuits, from native tribes people has driven the Cleveland Indians to retire their “logo.”
Via Cleveland.com:
Chief Wahoo, the longtime logo of the Indians, will be gone after the 2018 season.
The Indians will disassociate themselves with the logo and will no longer wear it on their uniforms or caps following the 2018 season. The logo has been a flashpoint for the team for several years, drawing criticism and lawsuits from Native American groups who consider it racist.
The New York Times was the first to report the story.
Chief Wahoo, in one rendition or another, has been worn on Indians uniforms since 1947. Then-owner Bill Veeck made it part of the team’s uniform. Walter Goldbach, a 17-year-old draftsman, designed the first logo. Goldbach, 88, died in December.
The Indians name will remain unchanged. The charter member of the American League has been called the Indians since 1915. The Block C and script Indians will be the team’s main logos after 2018.