Amid growing pressure from President Donald Trump to revert the name of the Cleveland Guardians to its former designation, the team’s former manager Terry Francona has publicly defended the decision to rename the franchise. Francona, who managed the Guardians from 2013 to 2023, has spoken out in favor of the change, stating that the move was necessary and respectful to Native American communities. Francona emphasized that the decision was ultimately made by team owner Paul Dolan, who he credits for the courage to take the step despite potential backlash from some fans.
The name change, which occurred after the 2021 season, marked a significant shift for the franchise, which had used the ‘Indians’ name for over a century. Calls to change the name had been growing for years, particularly as awareness increased around the sensitivity of using Native American nicknames. Francona acknowledged that some fans were uncomfortable with the change, particularly those who were more associated with the old name, but he argued that the move was a necessary step toward inclusivity and respect for Native American heritage.
Trump, however, has been vocal in his opposition to the name change, making public statements suggesting that reverting to the old name could benefit the team’s owners politically. In a recent post, Trump claimed that the owner of the Cleveland team, Matt Dolan, had lost three elections in a row due to the name change and suggested that changing the name back to the ‘Indians’ could help him win. Trump has also called for the Washington Commanders to revert to their former name, the ‘Redskins,’ and has threatened to block their plans to build a new stadium in the nation’s capital if they do not comply.
Francona has responded to Trump’s criticisms by stating that the change was not about politics but about respect. He emphasized that the team’s decision was made with the goal of being respectful to all communities, including Native American populations. Francona also noted that not everyone would be happy with the change, but he believes that as long as the decision was made with respect, it’s acceptable for people to voice their opinions.
The Guardians’ president, Chris Antonetti, has also dismissed Trump’s comments, highlighting that the team is focused on its future as the Guardians and is excited about the opportunities that come with the new name. Antonetti stated that the team has had the opportunity to build its brand as the Guardians over the past four years and that the focus remains on the future of the franchise.
The controversy surrounding the name change has sparked broader discussions about the use of Native American names in sports and the importance of cultural sensitivity. While some argue that the names are a part of the team’s history, others believe that they are offensive and should be changed to reflect a more inclusive approach. Francona’s public defense of the change has added to the ongoing debate, highlighting the complex relationship between sports teams and the communities they represent.