You’re living under a rock if you haven’t heard that the Cleveland Indians beat the Chicago Cubs in game one of the World Series last night. You’ve doubtless heard that the Cubs have not played in the Series since 1945 and have not won it since 1908 *before* Wrigley Field was built. The Indians lost in 1995 and 1997 and last won the fall classic in 1948.
Now that I’ve stated the obvious, it’s time for some pictures. First, the 1908 Chicago Cubs with a somewhat bedraggled mascot:
They don’t make mascot outfits like they used to. That’s a good thing in this case.
The next picture was taken after the Indians won the World Series in 1948. It features the first African-American player in the American League, Larry Doby, and Polish-American pitcher Steve Gromek. It’s a moment of pure joy.
I’ll have more to say about the 1948 Indians, Bill Veeck, and integration on Saturday. But I did weigh in on the team’s Chief Wahoo logo/mascot:
One of life's rich ironies is that the team with the racist logo was the first AL team to integrate. Second overall.
— Shecky (@Adrastosno) October 26, 2016
I’m sending the mascots to the showers. I only hope the wee cubbie doesn’t molt or something.
Difficult to believe it was possible, but the logo on Doby’s sleeve is even worse than what they’ve got now. Yikes…
Chief Wahoo *has* been modified over the years. There was even a period where it was de-emphasized. I suspect we’ll be hearing more about it in the near future
Cub looks like a gopher with an endocrine issue.
Or mange.