Pitch to change club ID

THE name and logo of a South Australian sports club has sharply divided members amid growing pressure from outside forces to become “socially responsible”.

Goodwood Baseball Club, “the family club founded 1889”, uses the nickname “Indians” and a logo of a cartoon-like native American (pictured).

However, as North American clubs dump names with racial links – the Washington Redskins are now the Washington Football Team and the Cleveland Indians next season become the Cleveland Guardians – the Goodwood club has held a vote of members to determine its future.

An 80 per cent turnout saw 55 per cent vote to change the name, and 45 per cent opt to keep it.

Among the 55 per cent, most said they associated strongly with the name and logo, but recognised it was time for change.

President Jon Martyn said there were strong opinions on both sides of the issue and stressed it was important to listen to all opinions “both internally and externally in a safe environment”.

He also said there was a need for “social responsibility”.