News Summary
The Cleveland Guardians name change from the Indians has caused controversy, fueled by comments from Donald Trump and a recent fan poll favoring the old name. While Trump claims many Native Americans support the return to ‘Indians,’ representatives of Native communities argue against this view. The Cleveland Guardians have affirmed their commitment to their rebranding, despite ongoing discussions among fans about the historical significance of the former name.
Cleveland, Ohio – The name change of the Cleveland Guardians, formerly known as the Cleveland Indians, has ignited controversy following comments made by President Donald Trump and a recent public poll indicating a preference for the old name among some fans. Trump’s remarks encouraged the baseball team to revert to their former name, asserting that there is widespread support for this shift among the Native American population.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that many within the Native American community support the idea of returning to the “Indians” name. However, Montgomery RamÃrez, a spokesperson for the Committee of 500 Years of Dignity & Resistance, disputed Trump’s assertions, stating their organization represents a broader spectrum of Native American opinions and that such views do not reflect the sentiments of the wider Native community. RamÃrez explained that other organizations might misrepresent the consensus of Native Americans regarding sports team names.
A recent fan survey conducted before a Cleveland Guardians game revealed that 47 out of 59 participants favored the “Indians” name over the current “Guardians.” Supporters of the “Indians” name argue it holds historical significance and does not carry inherent racism. Conversely, proponents of the “Guardians” name emphasize the importance of addressing any underlying racism associated with the previous name.
This divide among fans has been a point of contention, with some desiring the return of the “Indians” name and even advocating for the reinstatement of Chief Wahoo as a mascot. Chris Antonetti, President of Baseball Operations for the Guardians, responded to the ongoing debate by affirming the team’s commitment to their brand’s future as the Guardians.
The Cleveland Guardians name was officially adopted in 2021. This rebranding followed a long history of names that included the Blues, Bronchos, Naps, and Indians, marking a significant shift in the organization’s identity. The Guardians’ name change was part of a broader movement in professional sports to address the cultural sensitivity surrounding Indigenous imagery and language.
In other news, Grace Ann Laurio, a 77-year-old lifelong fan of the Cleveland Indians, recently passed away on October 19, 2025, at the Seidman Cancer Center. Born on March 3, 1948, in Cleveland, to the late Frank and Angie Modica, she cherished her time as a fan of the Indians, often expressing her preference for that name over the current Guardians moniker.
Grace was known for her love of Broadway shows, bowling with friends, traveling, and creating lasting memories with her grandchildren. She recently fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling to Italy with her family. Grace is survived by her husband, Michael Laurio, whom she was married to for 54 years, as well as her children, Michelle Roark and Stephen Laurio, along with her two grandchildren, Jackson and Alexa Roark. She is also remembered by her siblings, William Modica and Barbara Modica, and was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Samuel Laurio.
Family and friends will be received for visitation on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Mentor, Ohio. A memorial mass will be held at the funeral home starting at 8:00 p.m., followed by private family burial at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chesterland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.
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Additional Resources
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cleveland Guardians
- WKYC: Cleveland Indians Special Place in Fans’ Hearts
- Sports Illustrated: Potential Cleveland Guardians Pitching Coach
- News 5 Cleveland: Fans Want Cleveland Indians Name Back
- Google Search: Cleveland Guardians
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