Why the Cleveland Indians Should Be Renamed the Cleveland Rocks
Like a lot of people, I have serious issues with Chief Wahoo, the hideously offensive caricature that the Cleveland Indians insist on using as part of their image. And I’m also on board with any movement that involves changing the name of sports teams with names that offend native peoples. Washington Redskins? Really? In the 21st century?
But back to Cleveland. GeekDad.com has an interesting idea. Why not rename the Cleveland MLB team the Cleveland Rocks? Let’s start with the Ian Hunter song from the brilliant album, You’re Never Alone with a Schizophrenic (which, by the way, was also covered by Presidents of the United States of America.)
GeekDad.com offers these nine reasons as to why the name “Cleveland Rocks” is a good idea.
1. John D. Rockefeller
In 1873, John D. Rockefeller founded what eventually became Standard Oil, bringing work and prosperity to the city of Cleveland. Buildings that once made up his vast estate can still be found in Cleveland Heights, just east of downtown.
2. Cleveland Stone Company
The Cleveland Stone Company was founded in 1883, spurring the mining of sandstone along the Rocky River on Cleveland’s west side. The stones mined were used to construct many buildings downtown, and bring to mind the beauty and industry that helped rebuild Baldwin Wallace College and provide work for hard-working locals.
3. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The iconic guitars that line the city, the concerts, the great lake-front museum location…what’s not to love?
