x
Breaking News
More () »

Wahoo Club president weighs in on decision to remove mascot from Cleveland Indians' uniforms in 2019

"If we're playing baseball in October, and I think the Indians will be in the playoffs, it's going to be "what logo? No offense, Chief."

When we started coming to Progressive Field instead of "The Jake," we adapted.

When former Chief Wahoo designs were changed to what was supposedly less "offensive," we adapted.

Now, we'll be 'progressing' onto no Wahoo on the Indians' uniforms, beginning in 2019.

So we asked the president of the Wahoo Club to weigh in on the controversial decision that came down on Monday to remove the Chief, and we were treated to a tour through time of all things Tribe.

We met him in just 1 of the 3 Indians-themed rooms in Bob and Arlen Rosen's Solon home.

"This picture is hanging in the Hall of Game in Cooperstown," Bob points to a framed picture in a sea of Indians paraphernalia plastering the walls.

"These are my 2 kids when they were younger," Bob smiles.

We quickly realize it's a Rosen thing.

"In order to be a part of our family, you have to be an Indians fan," he points out. Just to be clear.

Would you expect anything less from the Wahoo Club President, leading a membership of 2,800 strong worldwide?

"Something we are doing now is Wahoo Club Player of the Year Award," Bob points to one hanging on the wall.

So you could see where the decision to do away with Chief Wahoo on the field may present some problems for Bob logistically as we move "progressively" into 2019.

We asked him if the 'Wahoo Club Player of the Year' may be reworded. Bob said, "That remains to be seen. Stay tuned."

Bob would be lying if he said he wasn't disappointed as he shows of one of the Indians items he's most proud of.

"Yeah this is the actual creator of Chief Wahoo," he says holding the ball signed by Walter Goldbach.

In fact, Goldbach showed Channel 3 News a similar ball of his own about a year before he passed away in December.

Goldbach said in November 2016, "I'm 87- years-old. And I'm sorta happy when I get up in the morning. So whatever they want to do, I'm going to leave that up to the Cleveland Indians".

Bob, the Wahoo Club president of 20 years, member for 35, points out the club itself has been around 56 years.

Even for him, the texture of this beloved historic team is thicker than even Chief Wahoo.

"If we're playing baseball in October, and I think the Indians will be in the playoffs, it's going to be "what logo? No offense, Chief," Bob nods to one of the countless Wahoos in the room.

Bob is a pragmatic Wahoo Club President.

"The Indians are in a tough situation. Pressure from the commissioner of baseball, pressure from fans that want to keep Wahoo, so the Indians are in a no win situation. No matter what I'm cheering them on," Bob smiles.

He's not sure if his Chief Wahoo merchandise will only skyrocket in value, but said, "All my items are for my children and hopefully my grandchildren."

So no pressure for his beautiful, recently-married daughter.

For now, Bob is just waiting on another generation of Rosen Indian fans. When with or without Wahoo, he'll still be leading his own tribe of fanatics!

Before You Leave, Check This Out