Following the Washington Redskins announcing they’re reviewing their team name on Friday, the Cleveland Indians followed suit and said they’re “(determining) the best path forward with regard to our team name.”
It’s a move many people support, including current manager Terry Francona: “I think it’s time to move forward. It’s a very difficult subject.”
So what should the new name be? I’ve seen some intriguing suggestions around social media, but the one that keeps popping up is: the Midges.
Why midges? If you’ll recall, in Game 2 of the 2007 ALDS, New York Yankees pitcher Job Chamberlain was distracted by a swarm of little bugs — called midges — and the hurler eventually tossed a wild pitch and nailed Victor Martinez with a pitch in a playoff game the Yanks lost.
So a lot of folks — including former Yankee Phil Hughes — wants to see the bugs get the nickname:
The Cleveland Indians should change their name to whatever those bugs were in that playoff game
— Phil Hughes (@PJHughes45) July 4, 2020
I dunno man, I’m stuck on midges. The Cleveland Midges. pic.twitter.com/h2DhP7JOkG
— CleWest (@erjmanlasvegas) July 6, 2020
New name for the Indians should be the Cleveland Midges 🦟🦟🦟 pic.twitter.com/oEFvPeXVRj
— #inthistogether #HanksYanks (@fantasyfurnace) July 4, 2020
The Cleveland Midges. Do it. https://t.co/KGroFkEiBe
— Amy (@Miss90s) July 4, 2020
Now, hear me out, what if we change our name to…. the Cleveland Midges… 👀@Reflog_18 pic.twitter.com/bw674Lc1y4
— Benj (@Coach_Benj) July 4, 2020
Cleveland Midges pic.twitter.com/4HlbhZvknq
— Bryan Shaw (@WxShaw) July 4, 2020
The Cleveland Midges, you’re welcome pic.twitter.com/tFrzJ3pvZp
— CleWest (@erjmanlasvegas) July 4, 2020
The Cleveland Midges.
Ask Joba what happens when you mess with the Midges.
— Joe B (@JoeB_inCLE) July 4, 2020
Look, if they're not going to be the Cleveland Midges then what are we even doing? pic.twitter.com/nIqnRHB3jR
— CJ Fogler #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) July 4, 2020
Do it.
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