the Future Brand of Cleveland Baseball
Hoot! Hoot! Grrr!
The Cleveland Owlbears are poised to become the most fearsome team in Major League Baseball. With a classic Cleveland style and an icon with more attitude than the Cubs and the Cardinals combined, the choice for the new Cleveland MLB brand is clear.
Owlbears Merchandise
The Right Mascot for this Cleveland Moment
You’ve probably heard that Cleveland's baseball team has changed its name. It’s been a long time coming, and they chose the second best option, but remember - we have the perfect back-up mascot for our team if things don’t go well with the Guardians!
The Cleveland Owlbears
The Owlbear is a noble and powerful creature native to deciduous forests like those surrounding Northeast Ohio. It is a beast whose strength reflects the steel-town roots of Northeast Ohio and whose foresight is represented in the medical and technological industries that are lifting Cleveland today and into the future.
The brand hearkens back to the glory days of mid/late-90s baseball, to the classic memories of World Series runs and unstoppable offenses. In Cleveland Scene Magazine’s “Redesign the Tribe” contest, the Cleveland Owlbears ranked as the top animal name submitted.
The Owlbears’ sleek, stylish rebranded uniform design, harkening back to the 90s team
Why change the name?
A history of stealing from Native Americans
It’s no secret that Native Americans have had a rough modern history in this country. Their populations were decimated by disease and they were pushed off their lands systematically, with this practice continuing today in areas like the Standing Rock reservation.
Looking at how current for-profit businesses continue this legacy, team ownership is not Native, yet they profit off reductive Native American identity. Fans self-affirm behaviors lifted from Native American stereotypes - tomahawk chops, face paint, and headdresses have been common sights at ball games over the last century. It’s unacceptable to masquerade as a people who have been denied their own self-respect, legacy, and voice so many times in our history.
Damaging language and imagery
Many have called the team name “an honor” to Cleveland Spiders player Louis Sockalexis. There isn’t a definitive link between the name and Sockalexis (see the News and Views page for more info on this nuance), and even if there was, how is the generic term “Indians” honoring him? It’s reductive and impersonal. The Cleveland Browns honor Paul Brown with a direct tribute - it’s not the Cleveland Whites.
The name itself is harmful. Past polls about the use of a People as a mascot have ignored context and extensive study, and these practices lend themselves to lowered self-esteem and reinforce stereotypes. They portray Native populations as something to be spectated and make them seem less than serious or real.
It doesn’t change your past
Your relationship with the team doesn’t need to change. You can still love baseball and going to games. Your memories of growing up with the team are still good and valid. As we grow, so must our institutions. It’s natural that we learn and change over time, and it’s now to the point where our team is changing, so let’s together make sure it changes for the better, with the best mascot around!
Owlbears are cool
It’s time to find a new, fun mascot to embrace. The Owlbear is big and fluffy and kid-friendly, but also has a competitive side when needed. Our logo is crisp and adheres to the colors and style we’ve grown accustomed to in Cleveland.
And just think of the adorable stuffed animals!
Okay, you’ve worn me down - I’m in! How can I help?
Share your support using the hashtag #ClevelandOwlbears! Buy a shirt or a hat! Tell your friends! Bring up a difficult conversation in a gentle and understanding way!
Ideally, we’d like to be included in the conversation about rebranding as talks develop, and would gladly contribute this name to the team, should they choose to make the smart decision to select the Cleveland Owlbears as the next team name. Be a part of the movement, and get to tell everybody that you helped the Owlbears get off the ground!