Days after announcing a team name, Chatham-Kent’s new Intercounty Baseball League franchise has decided to go in a different direction amid concerns that the name is racially insensitive.
The baseball club’s owners and management announced on Friday that their team would be called the Chatham-Kent Blackbirds following a community-wide “Name The Team” contest.
However, the franchise announced on Monday that it would be dropping the name, effective immediately. Officials said the decision was made following community feedback.
“The Chatham-Kent IBL club has made plans to change its name to better reflect the diverse cultural history of the community,” the club said in a written statement. “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.”
The term “blackbird” and “blackbirding” involves the coercion of people through deception or kidnapping to work as slaves or poorly paid labourers in countries distant from their native land.
The other finalists announced following the team naming contest included North Stars, Legends, Wheat Kings, and Field Kings. Franchise officials said a final decision on the name will be announced soon.
The team is expected to hit the field for the first time in May 2024.