The selection of “Guardians” as the new moniker for Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team stemmed from a desire to maintain a connection to the city’s history and architectural identity. The “Guardians of Traffic” statues, prominently positioned on the Hope Memorial Bridge near Progressive Field, served as the inspiration. These iconic art deco figures, erected in 1932, have become a recognizable symbol of Cleveland and its industrial heritage.
The team sought a name that resonated with the local community and reflected the city’s spirit of resilience and strength. The statues embody these qualities, standing as silent sentinels overlooking the Cuyahoga River and guarding the city’s gateways. Retaining a symbolic link to Cleveland’s past was considered important to avoid a complete severing of ties with the franchise’s historical identity while moving forward from the previous name and logo.
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