Chatham-Kent’s expansion team in the Intercounty Baseball League is already getting rid of its new name, the Blackbirds, because of racist connotations.
The team had only revealed the name Friday but announced Monday a new name will be coming soon.
The decision was made after the team received feedback that the terms “blackbird” and “blackbirding” referred to the use of deception or kidnapping to make people work as slaves or poorly paid laborers in countries far from their native lands.
“Management and ownership thank our valued community members for bringing these details to their attention and wish to thank the club’s executive for acting quickly to make a change,” team officials said in a statement.
The Blackbirds name was chosen after a name-the-team contest that drew more than 600 submissions. The other finalists were North Stars, Legends, Wheat Kings and Field Kings.
The most common suggestion was Crows, but owner and president Dom Dinelle said Friday that Blackbirds was a more fan-friendly choice.
“The Chatham-Kent IBL club has made plans to change its name to better reflect the diverse cultural history of the community,” its statement said. “As an organization, we welcome all conversations and discussions that help us to grow, foster and nurture our team in a manner that evokes a feeling of inclusion and pride consistent with the community and the rich tradition of baseball.
“We regret any harm the chosen name may have caused.”