Baseball fans in Cleveland, Ohio have been able to support their Indians for more than a century. The Indians, who play in the Central Division of the American League, call Progressive Field, formerly Jacob’s Field, home. In their 109 year history, they have won the World Series on two occasions – in 1920 and again in 1948. Their history, though long and illustrious, has not always been free of controversy. They have really upset the people of Cleveland by not bringing home a championship in so long. Even with this they still have some very loyal fans.

The Name

The “Indians” received the name as a result of the decision to change it from the Cleveland Blues in 1914. The name, chosen to focus on the nobility of Native Americans, resulted in the team’s nicknames: The Tribe and The Wahoos (which pays homage to the mascot, Chief Wahoo).

Success in Several Forms

Cleveland is generally not thought of as a powerhouse team, but the team has been competitive for much of its history. In addition to two championships, the Indians have won the American League pennant five times and seven divisional titles. Hall of Fame players to have worn a Cleveland uniform include Al Lopez, Joe Sewell and Cy Young. In addition to titles, the Indians have been successful in drawing fans. In the mid 1990s, they broke records for home game attendance, selling out for over 450 games. So it is amazing sometimes that fans will support a team even when it is losing. You have to love the fans of Cleveland.

About that Name

Like several sports teams over the previous decades, the Indians have seen their team name come under scrutiny. Deemed racially insensitive and politically incorrect by some, there have been protests, calls for boycotts and demands that the team change its name and mascot, and even repent for using the term “Indians”. This as ridicules as it is has not caused the team to give up its beloved name.

The Indians organization has refused to cave in to these demands, maintaining that the name is, was, and will always be considered a tribute to the indigenous peoples of North America. It does not seem likely that the team will change the name in the near future, and given the Indians’ fabled history and strong fan base that is doubtlessly a good thing for baseball. And it is also a good thing for all the Indian tribes around the world. The Cleveland team has never done anything to embarrass or cause any tribe of Indians to feel downgraded. As a matter of fact if this is the case should all the tigers in the world be upset when the Detroit Tigers take the field. Or maybe the northerners in the US should feel degraded when the New York Yankees take the field. I for one even though I am not a big Ole Miss fan personally have no problem with them sporting my heritage. For sir Frankly I don’t give a damn.

Author Bio: Ivan Jamison is a big sports fan. You can check out his Cleveland Indians Watch or his Chicago Cubs Watch or his Detroit Tigers Watch

Category: Sports
Keywords: Cleveland Indians