The Cleveland Indians will remove the Chief Wahoo logo from their uniform next year.
The mascot will come off the team's jersey sleeves and caps starting in the 2019 season.
After lengthy discussions between team owner Paul Dolan and Rob Manfred, the Indians are shelving the big-toothed, smiling, red-faced caricature, which has been used in used in various expressions by the team since 1947.
The Indians will continue to wear the Wahoo logo on its uniform sleeves and caps in 2018, and the club will still sell merchandise featuring the mascot in Northeast Ohio.
"Major League Baseball is committed to building a culture of diversity and inclusion throughout the game," Rob Manfred said in a statement. "Over the past year, we encouraged dialogue with the Indians organization about the club's use of the Chief Wahoo logo. During our constructive conversations, Paul Dolan made clear that there are fans who have a longstanding attachment to the logo and its place in the history of the team.
"Nonetheless, the club ultimately agreed with my position that the logo is no longer appropriate for on-field use in Major League Baseball, and I appreciate Mr. Dolan's acknowledgement that removing it from the on-field uniform by the start of the 2019 season is the right course."
Via Associated Press
