Chief Wahoo removal doesn’t satisfy logo foes
Chief Wahoo’s farewell from the field isn’t nearly enough for the logo’s detractors.
Despite the Cleveland Indians’ decision to remove the contentious, cartoonish mascot from their caps and jersey sleeves beginning next season, some believe the team is not properly addressing a deeper issue because it will continue to profit by selling merchandise featuring the red-faced symbol.
Protesters chanting “Change the name, change the logo!” marched to Progressive Field on Friday before the Indians hosted Kansas City.
The protests have become something of an annual tradition, but this year’s took on greater meaning after the Indians, with a strong push from baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, announced in January that Wahoo’s days on the field were ending.
“They still want to keep hold of what they consider as their traditions and their history, and they’re not realizing that their history is basically a history of oppression,” said Philip Yenyo, executive director of the American Indian Movement of Ohio.
“To continue selling this merchandise is like saying, ‘OK we realize it’s wrong, but we’re still going to make money on this.’ It’s like rubbing salt in an old wound, a wound that’s actually 520 years old.”
The team’s decision to remove Wahoo from its uniforms came as the 2019 All-star Game in Cleveland approaches.
And while the team’s announcement was applauded by some Native American groups, Yenyo said it also has emboldened supporters of Chief Wahoo and might have made the logo more popular than ever.
As the protesters peacefully carried signs saying “Less Wahoo? No Wahoo!” and “Sacred Symbols Are Not Toys,” they were met with fans yelling “Save the Chief ” and other comments.
Brewers: All-star closer Corey Knebel was placed on the 10-day disabled list and is expected to miss four to six weeks because of a strained left hamstring.
Knebel, 26, had a 1.78 ERA and 39 saves in 45 chances last year. He struck out 126, tying Boston’s Craig Kimbrel for the most among major league relievers, and set a big league record by opening the season with at least one strikeout in 45 consecutive games.
Right-hander Adrian Houser was recalled from Double-a Biloxi to fill Knebel’s roster spot. Manager Craig Counsell did not say who will fill in at closer. The Brewers’ bullpen entered Friday with a 2.01 ERA this season.
Also, outfielder Christian Yelich was out of Milwaukee’s lineup for a second straight game because of a sore oblique.
Pirates: The major leagues’ oldest usher is calling it a career after 81 years on the job.
Pittsburgh announced that Phil Coyne, 99, who has been working home games for the organization since 1936, will not return this season. He turns 100 on April 27.
Coyne’s lone sabbatical came when he served in the armed forces in World War II.
The team gave him a No. 99 jersey with his name on the back last summer, and the Pirates plan to throw a party for Coyne and his family and friends to celebrate his 100th birthday.
Giants: The opener of San Francisco’s series against the Los Angeles Dodgers scheduled for Friday was rained out, and Saturday’s game was pushed back by two hours to 3:05 p.m.
Friday’s rainout was the sixth at 19-year-old AT&T Park and first since April 12, 2006. It was only the Giants’ 33rd home rainout since the franchise moved to San Francisco in 1958.