Wednesday, October 28, 1998
Athens, Ohio
An Independent Daily Newspaper
Ohio University
Historical honor
I was somewhat disturbed when I read the letter, "A just boycott," in the Oct. 27 issue. I have been and always will be a lifelong Tribe fan. I feel, though, there was one important fact not included in the letter.
The Cleveland Indians are a first-class professional baseball organization. They are a model franchise, and many organizations are following the path Cleveland executives made during the first years of this decade. How can one say the use of "Indians" is insulting?
For those who do not know, the Cleveland franchise took their name IN HONOR of an American Indian, Louis Sockalexis. He played three years for the club, and he was the first American Indian to play in the major leagues. I visited the Cleveland Indians Web site, www.indians.com, and found this statement: "In 1914, a Cleveland newspaper held a contest to rename the team. The winning entry in the contest was 'Indians.' The fan who sent it in explained that the name would be a testament to the game's first American Indian player. The memory of Louis Sockalexis was not forgotten then, and today, decades later, he is still remembered."
This tribute to Louis Sockalexis is in no way insulting.
Steven Frohwerk
sf366497@oak.cats.ohiou.edu
Terry D. Davis
Greg D. Slatkovsky
As someone of American Indian descent (Cherokee), I would like to respond to the letter, "A just boycott," in the Oct. 27 issue. Rather than insulted, I am greatly honored my heritage is represented by America's pastime. I take great pride in Cleveland's nickname derived in honor of an early Cleveland Spider player who was an American Indian.
Furthermore, if the "tomahawk chop" practiced by Braves fans is so degrading to American Indians, why does the Seminole Indian Reservation in Florida so proudly embrace Florida State University's nickname, the Seminoles, and mascot, a white man painted up to represent Chief Osceola. In case you do not know, Florida State football fans are the originators of the tradition that got passed on to Braves fans.
The way I see it, Chief Wahoo and the tomahawk chop keep my heritage alive and visible to modern America, which is something the RedHawks of Miami University and Big Green of Dartmouth University do not. It bothers me that we have become a culture so ridiculously sensitive to things. What's next, Irish-Americans protesting the leprechaun and clover on Notre Dame University merchandise?
td111896@oak.cats.ohiou.edu
How can a sports franchise bear the name Indians or Braves? And what about the California Angels or New Orleans Saints? We Catholics should strongly protest against such a travesty. And how about the San Francisco 49ers? I'm sure there are some descendants of the great gold rush that don't want their name on a sports team. Same with the Houston Oilers or Hartford Whalers. As a matter of fact, I'm sure there still are many people who make their living as oilers. My gosh, I almost forgot about the large number of people who make their living in the steel industry. Down with the name Steelers! And what about all the tall people in the United States? Shouldn't they be angry at the New York Giants? Do I sound ridiculous? I think I do. Listen to yourselves.
gs106493@oak.cats.ohiou.edu