Indians Primary Logo
Chief Wahoo, the smiling symbol of the Cleveland Indians since the 1940s who is beloved by many but deemed to be racist by others, is being replaced as a primary logo, uniform expert Paul Lukas reported. Instead, the team will emphasize the block letter "C" they introduced in recent seasons. The Indians aren't eliminating the Chief the home uniform will continue to feature him on caps and jersey sleeves but fans will see less of him overall.
2014 - Present
A new direction for the Cleveland Indians logo as they replace the native american with a block letter “C” in red. This logo is very similar to the 1904 logo of the Cleveland Bluebirds.
1979 - 2013
In 1980 the logo was slightly alter with a blue outline added replacing the black outline.
1973 - 1978
After its introduction, the face of the 1951 logo was incorporated into other, full-body depictions of the character. The native American with one red feather is swinging a bat and striding forward on top of a baseball with red seams. The wordmark is “INDIANS” on top of the baseball and “CLEVELAND” on the bottom of the baseball in blue.
1949 - 1972
In 1951, the mascot was redesigned with a smaller nose, black hair and red skin instead of yellow skin with one feather. The logo has a black outline. This logo has remained in use ever since, with only minor changes to the design till 2014.
1948
Chief Wahoo facing straight ahead, a red Native American cartoon head grinning with a red feather sticking out the back of his black hair.
1946 - 1947
In 1947, the Indians added a baseball player’s body to the native American head. The native American has a red face with black hair and one red feather. He is in a hitting stance holding a baseball bat.
Todd Radom Design: The Cleveland Indians—and Chief Wahoo
The Indians most recent championship team—the 1948 edition—wore a sleeve patch on their uniforms, just as this 2016 version does. Both depict Chief Wahoo, a longtime visual staple for the franchise, and one that’s loaded with conflicting impressions. For many, Wahoo is a divisive and offensive symbol, one that should be consigned to history. For others, Wahoo represents a prideful symbol, one that connects generations and unites a city. Love it or hate it, the Indians’ Chief Wahoo has both endured and evolved since its introduction in 1947. Read More...
1939 - 1945
The next image of an native American is on a red and white striped circled background. The native American has a red face with a white and black headdress.
1933 - 1938
A line drawing of a native American with black hair, green shirt, and headdress in white, yellow and red.
1929 - 1932
New design of a native American with a red face and black outlines for facial features. Wearing a white with black outline headdress.
1928
The first logo of a native American with three feathers in red with a black outline.
1921 - 1927
In 1921 the Indians logo changed to a font that is similar to Bruce Double Pica in the color blue. The letter “C” represents the city of Cleveland.
1915 - 1920
The Indians first logo is a block letter “C” in a thick blue color. The letter “C” represents the city of Cleveland.
1909
The Naps final logo is again a scripted letter “C” with a thicker blue lettering. The letter “C” represents the city of Cleveland.
1906 - 1908
A new scripted letter “C” in blue. A little more curly at the top the letter “C.” The letter “C” represents the city of Cleveland.
1905
The Naps logo was a scripted letter “C” in blue. The letter “C” represents the city of Cleveland.
1904
Final Blues logo is a letter block “C” now in red. The letter “C” represents the city of Cleveland.
1902 - 1903
The Blues change to a block letter “C” in blue. The letter “C” represents the city of Cleveland.
1901
Like most teams before the 1900’s the logo was just a wordmark of the city “CLEVELAND.”