The Cleveland Indians played the Detroit Tigers today at Progressive Field for the season's Home Opener—a tradition of spring.
Fans entering the stadium encountered what's become another tradition—protests against the team's mascot, Chief Wahoo.
Lisa Mach was one of those protesters, and says Wahoo is an offensive portrayal of Native Americans.
"It makes Cleveland look bad," Mach said, "promoting something that the people you're telling it's honoring are telling you, 'It's not honoring us.' It doesn't work."
But George Vlosich Jr. disagrees.
"It's a part of Cleveland history for 50, 60 years," he said. "People love it, people see it, people recognize it. There's sive or six logos that people recognize instantly. And you see the Chief, and you know it's Cleveland."
Vlosich is one of the people selling a T-shirt that's gaining popularity in Cleveland, bearing the words, "Keep the Chief."
The Indians lost to the Tigers 8-4.
(story by ideastream's Nick Castele)
