Fans and protesters engage in disturbing back-and-forth outside stadium
Chief Wahoo has been the Cleveland Indians’ mascot since the 1940s, but his days are numbered.
In January, MLB announced the Indians will stop using the Native American caricature on their uniforms and stadium signs beginning in 2019.
“Major League Baseball is committed to building a culture of diversity and inclusion throughout the game,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
Manfred said Indians owner Paul Dolan “made clear that there are fans who have a long-standing attachment to the logo and its place in the history of the team,” but added, “Nonetheless, the club ultimately agreed with my position that the logo is no longer appropriate for on-field use in Major League Baseball.”
Cleveland fans showed just how strong and emotional that “long-standing attachment” is before the Indians’ home opener Friday, reported Cleveland.com.
As they have for many years, people gathered outside Progressive Field to protest the team’s name and Chief Wahoo, which they say are harmful to Native Americans.
The demonstrators said “Less Wahoo” is not good enough; the logo will still be featured on retail products sold locally. They also demanded the team drop the name “Indians,” something the Dolans have said they will not to do.
The rally was led by a Cleveland group called the Committee of 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance.
The small group of protesters, which included some Native Americans, held signs and chanted at people entering the ballpark, “Seventy years of harming the Native American community is enough!” and “Burn, Wahoo, burn!”
Some of the Indians fans shouted back innocuous remarks such as “We love Wahoo!” and “Long live the chief!”
Others asked, “What do you want? You already won.”
A handful, however, took it to another level, responding with crude gestures and profanities.
WARNING: The video includes explicit language.
At least two Cleveland fans taunted the protesters with the stereotypical hand-to-mouth Indian war whoop.
“I’m a Native American! F— you!” one man yelled. “I love Wahoo! F— you!”
Despite the heated words, neither side responded with physical violence.
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