Cleveland Indians Demote Chief Wahoo Logo, Will Continue to Use It
By Kyle Koster
The Cleveland Indians will no longer use Chief Wahoo as the team’s primary logo, the Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports.
Team owner Paul Dolan said the Block C will be used more than the controversial logo it replaces.
"“(We have) no plans to get rid of Chief Wahoo,” Dolan [said]. “it is part of our history and legacy. “We do have empathy for those who take issue with it. We have minimized the use of it and we’ll continue to do what we think is appropriate.”"
The phasing out of Chief Wahoo has been happening for several years. The logo was taken off the road hat in 2011 and home batting helmet in 2013. It still appears on the home cap, which was the team’s best-selling of all varieties in 2015.
On one hand, it’s hard to believe an image like Chief Wahoo is still being used by a professional sports franchise in today’s current climate. On the other, it’s not entirely surprising that the Indians would make a compromise to satiate critics without alienating all fans.
Just guessing here but the smart money seems to be on Wahoo’s demotions to continue until he’s gone for good within a few years.