CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Indians ditched their traditional home opening day look Friday night and opted for their blue jerseys with ‘CLEVELAND’ across the front instead.
It was symbolic on multiple fronts.
First, it was an acknowledgement of the call for the franchise to change its name, something the organization began to review earlier this month in the wake of Washington’s NFL team finally dropping its racially offensive nickname. They will play as the Washington Football Team this year.
Cleveland’s baseball team will continue to play as the Indians while they evaluate a nickname they’ve had since 1915. Earlier this week, owner Paul Dolan met with players to discuss the future of the team name and other social issues.
The jersey was also selected by the players to show a sign of unity and community during national calls for social justice reform.
“These are different times and change is due,” shortstop Francisco Lindor said. “As a team, the big platform we have, we are responsible to bring awareness to let the world know we have to end racism.”
Outside of Progressive Field, where no fans could take in Friday night’s opener against the Royals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a group gathered to call for the Indians to change their name.
Odds are the protest was a moot point.
Change clearly is coming.
“We know change is due, and it is time,” Lindor said. “But I believe positive change can happen. Shining the light on those minorities and people who are in need, it’s extremely important. Today, by wearing the 'Cleveland' jersey, that’s what we’re doing out there, bringing the spotlight on those people, minorities that need the spotlight on them so their voices can be heard.”
Prior to the game, Indians players wore black t-shirts with “END RACISM” on the front and one of three words or phrases on the back – “IT’S TIME,” “TOGETHER” or “EQUALITY” – for warmups.
“The non-violent protests, like this, is huge,” Lindor said. “To be able to fight the fight without bringing violence and just expressing our feelings, it’s a big part of what we do.”
Lindor hopes the player’s message is received as it was intended – not to distract from the game but to amplify the need to pursue equality for all.
“We can only change things by making people acknowledge and educate themselves that change is due,” Lindor said, “and to recognize that there are certain areas in life that are not right and not where they need to be. By us doing that today, and Paul Dolan allowing us today to wear the Cleveland jersey for Opening Day, it’s a huge statement.
“We’re not fighting the fight for us. We’re fighting the fight for our future. I’m extremely big on kids and fighting for them, for the ones who come after me. It’s extremely important.”
Following player introductions, a Black Lives Matter video played on the scoreboard and both Indians and Royals players held a long black banner. Most stood, but some knelt during the moment of solidarity.
During the national anthem every Indians player stood with their right hand over their heart and left on the shoulder of a teammate.
Players also wore “Black Lives Matter” or “United For Change” patches on the sleeves of their uniforms.
“This has nothing to do with politics,” Lindor said. “The BLM patches that some of the guys are wearing has nothing to do with politics. Life matters, and black ones right now are in need and indigenous are in need, and minorities overall are in need. This has nothing to do with politics.”
