The Cleveland Indians will consult with Native American groups as they consider changing the name of their franchise for the first time since 1915.
Owner Paul Dolan gave more details on the steps the team is undertaking on a potential name change amid a national movement to remove racist symbols and monuments.
Earlier this week, Dolan met with Cleveland's players, front-office members and manager Terry Francona to discuss the possibility of a name change as well as other issues such as social justice and race relations.
Members of the Cleveland Indians stand for the national anthem before an exhibition baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, July 22, 2020. (AP PhotoGene J. Puskar)
Dolan called the talks “candid and productive.”
“Our players care about the organization and feel strongly about social justice and racial equality,” Dolan said on the eve of the team's delayed season opener. "I support their interest in using their platform to unite our city and our nation through their actions.
"As I explained to our players, I am invested in engaging our community and appropriate stakeholders to help determine the best path forward with regard to our team name. In the coming weeks, we will engage Native American leaders to better understand their perspectives, meet with local civic leaders, and continue to listen to the perceptions of our players, fans, partners and employees.
Cleveland Indians' Francisco Lindor, left, is congratulated by Cesar Hernandez after hitting a three-run home run in the fifth inning during a preseason baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Monday, July 20, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP PhotoTony Dejak)
“We feel a real sense of urgency to discuss these perspectives with key stakeholders while also taking the time needed to ensure those conversations are inclusive and meaningful.”
The Indians' decision to consider a name change comes on the heels of Washington's NFL team dropping the name Redskins along with a logo deemed racist and offensive by many.
Cleveland removed the contentious Chief Wahoo logo from its game caps and jerseys after the 2018 season. The smiling caricature had been part of the team's history since the 1930s.
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