Fansided

5 logos the Cleveland Indians could use instead of Chief Wahoo

By Sarabeth Pollock

Apr 4, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; A fan holds a Chief Wahoo sign during a game between the Cleveland Indians and the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Cleveland won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; A fan holds a Chief Wahoo sign during a game between the Cleveland Indians and the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Cleveland won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Elites

The Cleveland Elites were part of the Negro National League. The team was assembled in 1926 and the Elites name lasted a season before switching to the Cleveland Hornets. The team played one more season before disbanding in 1927.

African Americans have a long history with baseball, with teams dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The teams were segregated and there were separate leagues for white players as well as African American players. Segregation prevented many people from knowing how many talented athletes were playing in the Negro National League.

The Cleveland Elites barely lasted two seasons and it would be another 20 years before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

Choosing the Cleveland Elites name and logo would honor the legacy of a team that represented Cleveland every bit as much as the Indians, even though they weren’t around as long as the Indians have been. The logo features the old school Cleveland C inside of a diamond, representing the sport and the name. The Cleveland Elites could build a partnership with the Negro National League Museum to create awareness about the history of the Negro League for generations of baseball fans to come.

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