Indians removing Chief Wahoo logo from game uniforms in 2019

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57. Finally: Indians to Scrap Chief Wahoo in 2019

Today on Uni Watch: Some thoughts about the mothballing of Chief Wahoo, plus Collector's Corner, a new Key Ring Chronicle, and more. Look here: https://uni-watch.com/2018/01/30/finally-indians-to-scrap-chief-wahoo-in-2019/ …

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Finally: Indians to Scrap Chief Wahoo in 2019

BY PAUL LUKAS, ON JANUARY 30TH, 2018

As you’ve probably heard by now, Chief Wahoo’s days are numbered. The Indians will stop wearing the cartoon logo in 2019. The news was first reported yesterday afternoon by The New York Times, and MLB issued its own statement shortly thereafter. ... Here’s a quick FAQ-style rundown of the situation:

{snip}

What do you think of all this?

I’ve long been anti-Wahoo, so I’m glad they’re finally mothballing him. I wish it had happened sooner (and also wish they would change the team name), but you take progress where you find it. ... I should also point out that I’m no fan of the block-C, which has always struck me as too plain. Cleveland fans deserve a logo with more pizzazz — either the 1970s caveman-C or something new.

As for the merch, they’re reportedly maintaining the retail presence for trademark-protection purposes (if they abandoned the mark commercially, it could be claimed by someone else, who could then produce their own Wahoo merch). Okay, but if you have to keep selling the stuff, why not donate the proceeds to Native American charities or something like that? Why keep profiting, even if only a little bit, on something you’ve just proclaimed to be unfit for on-field use?

Finally, a word to Cleveland fans: I realize many of you have grown up rooting for Wahoo and feel an emotional connection to the logo. I get it — that kind of connection between fan and logo is part of why I created Uni Watch. So while I’m pleased to see that Wahoo is finally on the way out, I’m not gloating about it and I’m certainly not taking any pleasure in the loss that some of you may be feeling. In time, I hope you can come to feel, as I do, that this was the right move to make.

For those wondering why the @Indians will still be selling merchandise with Chief Wahoo on it, that's to satisfy "use in commerce". It's a requirement for the team/league to maintain ownership of the trademark #SportsBiz

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