CLEVELAND — Friday night marks the Cleveland Indians' home -- and season -- opener.
But when the team takes the field at Progressive Field, they'll do so wearing their road uniforms.
Rather than donning their traditional white or red jerseys, the Indians will be wearing their navy road alternate that reads "CLEVELAND" across the chest. The team's use of its road uniforms at home comes three weeks to the day that it announced it was having discussions that could ultimately result in the franchise moving on from the Indians team name.
All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor said the team's decision to wear the navy road jerseys at home came after a team meeting that was held earlier this week to discuss a number of topics, including the team's name.
"We're wearing the Cleveland jersey to bring awareness and continue to bring awareness and we hope that's a start of change," Lindor said. "We know change is due and it is time, but I believe that positive change can happen. Shining the light on those minorities and people that are in need, it's extremely important. And today, by wearing the Cleveland jersey, that's what we're doing out there: bringing the spotlight on those people, minorities that need the spotlight on them, so their voices can be heard. Positive change can happen and we're due for it."
Asked if the Indians would only be wearing Cleveland-branded jerseys moving forward, Lindor said he wasn't sure.
In addition to their jerseys, Indians players took the field for batting practice on Friday wearing black and white t-shirts that read "end racism." Progressive Field also displayed "Black Lives Matter" on outfield scoreboard throughout pre-game warmups.