MLB's Manfred Hopes Indians Will Drop Chief Wahoo Logo

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Copyright 2017 Spokane Spokesman-Review

Spokesman Review (Spokane, WA)

 

Commissioner Rob Manfred has made his strongest comments on wanting the Cleveland Indians to eradicate their Chief Wahoo logo.

Manfred has been in talks with Indians owner Paul Dolan about abolishing the divisive symbol, which has sparked debate for decades.

In the past, Manfred has only gone as far as saying he understood why many people find the logo offensive. Now, Manfred appears to be pressuring the Indians, who have reduced Wahoo's visibility in recent years, to make more significant changes.

MLB spokesman Pat Courtney said in a statement to The on Wednesday that league officials are confident about reaching a positive resolution for the game and the club.

"Thus far, there have been productive discussions with the Cleveland Indians regarding the Commissioner's desire to transition away from the Chief Wahoo logo," Courtney said. "We have specific steps in an identified process and are making progress."

On Tuesday, protesters gathered outside Progressive Field to demonstrate against the team's usage of the red-faced, smiling logo, which has been part of the team's history dating back to the 1940s.

The Indians have decreased Chief Wahoo's profile, switching their primary logo to a block "C" several years ago. However, the symbol still appears on some of the sleeves of some of the team's uniforms and caps and the Indians have continued to sell Wahoo merchandise.

Some anti-Wahoo protesters want the team to change its nickname as well.

"We are people, not mascots, not logos, not imagery," said Carla Getz, a member of the Potawatomi Tribe. Getz was one of several dozen peaceful protesters that chanted for change on a plaza outside Tuesday's game.

Cubbies get their rings

The Chicago Cubs now have the rings to go with their historic championship.

The team was given its crowning jewels before Wednesday night's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with fans at Wrigley Field roaring as the ceremony unfolded.

Each 14-karat white gold ring has a total of 214 diamonds, three karats of red rubies and 2.5 karats of sapphires.

The top of the ring features 33 red rubies forming the team's bull's-eye logo, and the bezel features 108 round white diamonds.

Clearing the bases

Melvin Upton Jr. signed a minor league contract with the Giants and the veteran outfielder is working out at extended spring training in Arizona. Upton, 32, would likely need some games with Triple-A Sacramento before joining the Giants. He batted .238 with 20 home runs and 61 RBIs while striking out 155 times in 149 games between the Padres and Blue Jays last season. He also stole 27 bases in 35 attempts. ... Phillies right-hander Clay Buchholz has a partial tear of the right flexor pronator mass and will seek a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews next week. ... The Nationals placed infielder Stephen Drew on the 10-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain. To fill the roster spot, the Nats selected the contract of infielder Grant Green from Triple-A Syracuse. ... Reds RHP Rookie Davis was placed on the 10-day DL with a bruised right forearm, a day after he was hit by a pitch from the Pirates' Jameson Taillon. Right-handed reliever Barrett Astin was recalled from Triple-A Louisville to take Davis' spot. ... The Dodgers placed outfielder Franklin Gutierrez on the 10-day DL with a left hamstring strain. The Dodgers recalled outfielder Trayce Thompson from Triple-A Oklahoma City. ... The Tigers signed first baseman James Loney to a minor league contract. ... The Royals made two moves to fortify their struggling bullpen, recalling lefty Scott Alexander and right-hander Jake Junis from Triple-A Omaha. Lefty Matt Strahm was optioned to Omaha, while OF Terrance Gore was optioned to Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

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April 13, 2017
 
 
 

 

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