Goodwood Baseball Club members vote to dump ‘Indians’ nickname

An Adelaide team’s long-held nickname is set to change after members voiced passionate views on calls to follow the lead of US clubs dumping controversial mascots.

The Goodwood Baseball Club appears set to drop its longstanding nickname Indians and logo of a cartoon grinning native American.

In a reflection of changing times the name and logo has sharply divided opinions among members — and seen growing pressure from outside forces to become “socially responsible.”

As North American clubs dump names with racial links after pressure from activists — the Washington Redskins are now the Washington Football Team and the Cleveland Indians next season become the Cleveland Guardians — the Goodwood club has held a vote of members to determine its future.

An 80 per cent turnout saw 55 per cent vote to change the name, and 45 per cent opt to keep it.

Among the 55 per cent, the vast majority of “the family club founded 1889” said they associate strongly with the name and logo but recognise it is time for change.

No decision has been made and consultation will continue but officials say there is a need for “social responsibility and accountability.”

The Goodwood Baseball Club logo

In an update to members, president Jon Martyn noted there are vocal members with strong opinions on both sides of the issue and stressed it is important to listen to all opinions “both internally and externally in a safe environment.”

“We also cannot ignore that we are an important part of our local community,” Mr Martyn said.

“Our involvement with schools, local families, council, state government, Office for Recreation and Sport, Baseball SA and local small businesses means that there is a need for social responsibility and accountability.

“Therefore we need to acknowledge and take into consideration the perception of external stakeholders, of which we have had some formal correspondence from around this issue.

“The survey was an important barometer to understand the feeling within the club.”

A spokeswoman for Sport Minister Corey Wingard said there had been no correspondence between the government or Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing with the club on the issue.

Mr Martyn said the vote was the first step in a consultative process which should not be rushed as any decision to change — or not change it — “could have major implications within the club culturally.”

The voting percentages were relatively similar across junior and senior playing members, life members and volunteers.