The history and origins of the Cleveland Indians' name

Following a lot of consideration and given the times we live in, the Cleveland Indians have finally decided to move on from the ‘Indians’ name. They’ll start the 2021 MLB season with a new name which is yet to be determined.

It’s been 105 years since the franchise last changed itsname. Needless to say, it has become a part of the city’s identity and these kinds of polarizing subjects are always going to draw mixed opinions.

But, considering that the Washington Redskins caved in after years of backlash and debate, it only felt right for the Indians to also move on from what some people consider to be offensive towards Native Americans.

The History And Origins Of The Cleveland Indians’ Name

Let’s go back in time to 1897. Then, a crafty outfielder called Louis Francis Sockalexis began his career with the Cleveland Spiders, where he’d eventually become a legend and icon after a 13-year career.

Besides his talent and charisma, there was something particular about Louis Sockalexis that would grant him a spot in baseball history: He was the first full-blood Native American to make the Major Leagues.

But, what does this have to do with the Cleveland Indians’ name? Well, the franchise went through multiple rebrands and renames (Lakeshores, Bluebirds, Broncos) before going with the name Cleveland Naps to honor team legend, Napoleon Lajoie.

Even though he often went by ‘Larry’, Cleveland fans decided to rename the team ‘Cleveland Naps’ when the franchise asked them for help to rebrand the team again in 1903. That name, however, would only last for 11 seasons.

Back in 1914, the team’s owners had recently announced that they intended to change the franchise’s name again, with the front office and beat writers set to choose their new identity. The options were ‘Tornadoes’, ‘Commodores’, ‘Foresters’,’Rangers’,’Sixers’, and ‘Harmonics,’yet somehow they ended with ‘Indians’. How’s that?

Well, as it turns out, the 1914 campaign had a historical outcome when the Boston Braves pulled off an incredible comeback to go fromlast place to win the World Series. They became the most popular team in the nation and the Native American theme gave the Indians a once-in-a-lifetime marketing opportunity.

Basically, Native Americans were ‘hip’ at the moment and team owners decided to ride the wave while honoring Cleveland legend Louis Sockalexis. Then, ‘The Tribe’ was born and so did their new identity. Now, they’ll lean towards a more ‘culturally sensitive’ option.