The Cleveland Indians are getting a new name.
That fact is not up for debate.
But fun debates are currently raging on about what the new name should actually be.
Earlier this year some news dropped about options the team was actively considering, as the legal process of finding a trademark rolls on.
According to USPTO records the Cleveland #Indians Baseball Co LLC already owns trademark rights to: Blues, Naps & Bronchos (previous & unrelated to name change). They're challenging applications for Natives, Foresters, Warriors, Guardians, Cleveland Baseball Club, Heroes, Squires
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) June 7, 2021
The organization has to find a name that fits and one that they can legally obtain.
And while over 1,000 potential names are being considered, let’s look at the three best options among the most popular.
3. Cleveland Baseball Club
This is obviously the most simple one of all.
However, simple can sometimes be for the best.
This would be a similar thing to what soccer, or football for the purists, teams do around the world.
The team can still have a nickname as well, just in an unofficial manner.
#Indians release some research findings in process to change name. Following group discussions, team said new name must "connect" with the city, "preserve" history and "unite" community.
Team putting potential names through vetting process.
No timeline for name change.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) June 3, 2021
Fans are going to keep calling them the “Indians” for a long time.
Going with “Baseball Club” as the official name means fans can call the team whatever they want without any outrage about a new name.
While the Washington Football Team name led to plenty of jokes, the Indians organization could be a trend-setter with this modern name.
2. Cleveland Spiders
Going with “Spiders” would be a popular move among many fans.
However, there is a misconception that the Indians were once the Spiders a century ago.
The Cleveland Spiders were an entirely different franchise altogether, but just happened to play in Cleveland.
Regardless, the history in town is there and the team could have some fun with the new name.
They could opt to design the stadium with different colors and do away with the dull green seats throughout Progressive Field.
This would also be a new, non-controversial name.
When picking a sports team name, going with an animal or insect is always better than something that could be seen as offensive to anyone.
1. Cleveland Guardians
The name “Guardians” has to do with giant carvings on bridges heading out of downtown Cleveland.
The “Guardians of Traffic” are a unique thing in the city and the name just sounds cool as well.
A logo could be focused on the massive sculptures very easily.
A quick search on social media also shows Guardians as a top choice among fans, but who knows what the organization is seeing in focus groups and other research.
MLB already has a team called the Angels, so another being named Guardians would not be too wild of a concept.
Ultimately, there are going to be fans unhappy with any name the organization goes with.
And when the announcement is made, staying off social media is probably for the best.
What is your top choice for the new name?
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