CLEVELAND _ Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has continued discussions with the Indians regarding the usage of the Chief Wahoo logo, and it now seems as though the league office has begun to press the club to eventually remove it entirely.
In statements given to the New York Times and the Associated Press, Pat Courtney, a spokesman for Major League Baseball, said Manfred has made his stance clear of the "desire to transition away from the Chief Wahoo logo."
"We have specific steps in an identified process and are making progress," Courtney said.
Previously, Manfred had only acknowledged he understood why some were upset about the logo's usage and why it had become such a hotly debated topic. This week's statements are a step further, making it clear the league would like to see Chief Wahoo removed.
The Indians were on the national stage in October because of their involvement in the World Series. Manfred and Indians owner Paul Dolan had discussions regarding the logo at that time.
This past offseason the Indians were awarded the 2019 All-Star Game, possibly numbering Chief Wahoo's days and creating a natural end point to phase out the logo, which began several years ago when the club primarily transitioned to the block "C." The Indians now feature Chief Wahoo on fewer uniform combinations than in recent years.
"Commissioner Rob Manfred and Indians Owner Paul Dolan have had on-going dialogue on the topic of Chief Wahoo since last October," the Indians said in a statement. "We certainly understand the sensitivities of the logo _ those who find it insensitive and also those fans who have a long standing attachment to its place in the history of the team. We fully expect to work with the Commissioner throughout the remainder of this season on finding a solution that is good for the game and our organization. Our primary focus right now is on the team and our pursuit of returning to the postseason."
