Cleveland Indians wear away jerseys to home opener in honor of minority groups

The Cleveland Indians opted to wear their away jerseys with the word “Cleveland” emblazoned on the front in a message of solidarity for people of color as the team mulls a name change. 

The home jersey, which normally would have been worn for Friday’s home opener, instead says “Indians” across the front. 

“All we’re trying to do is bring awareness. Bring awareness to the whole entire world that change is due,” said All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor. “We have a great platform to be able to impact not just our community, but everybody that watches us play.”

“The idea is not to be disrespectful; the idea is to make a point, and I think this is a good way to do it,” added Manager Terry Francona, noting league rules may bar the team from wearing the jerseys at home in the future. 

The team announced earlier this month that it will consider changing its name amid civil unrest over systemic racism and police brutality. 

“We are committed to making a positive impact in our community and embrace our responsibility to advance social justice and equality,” the team said in a statement Friday. “Our organization fully recognizes our team name is among the most visible ways in which we connect with the community. 

The Cleveland baseball team was dubbed the “Indians” after previously going by the Blues and the Naps. The team name has long been called offensive to indigenous people. Its logo, Chief Wahoo, a caricature of a Native American, was removed as the primary logo in 2013 and was removed from team uniforms completely in 2019.