Indians Leave Florida, but Wahoo Still Remains
Written By: Scott | Category: Cleveland Indians | Comments: 6
The Cleveland Indians have moved their spring training headquarters from Winter Haven, Florida to Goodyear, Arizona. Through the last month, we have heard about how extravagantly nice the new confines are, and that they will be used year round for different events. Mountain views, improved technology, and better facilities for the players themselves.
It’s kind of like when (for lack of a better example) Brad Pitt leaves Jennifer Aniston, and then all of his philanthropic, award-winning events are tied to Angelina Jolie. Except instead of old magazine covers and the occasional piece of jewelry to remind Aniston of her former significant other, the city of Winter Haven has a constant reminder plastered to the side of their water tower.
The face of Chief Wahoo, a symbol of the departed Cleveland Indians baseball team, will continue to smile down on Winter Haven – at least for the remainder of the city’s current budget year.
Money to paint over the Chief Wahoo image, which is stamped into the city water tower at U.S. Highway 17 South and Post Avenue, S.W., won’t be available until at least Oct. 1, the start of the city’s 2009-2010 fiscal year.
City of Winter Haven spokeswoman Joy Townsend said painting a water tower is an expensive undertaking. “Repainting the one in southwest Winter Haven is not budgeted at this time,” Townsend said Tuesday.
I do not know how much it actually costs to repaint a water tower. But judging by the looks of the visual above, it does not appear that the city has even touched up the faded logo since it was applied roughly 16 years ago. Perhaps if they just wait it out, the graphic will disappear completely.
This is obviously another case of tough economic times coupled with the fact that one of the bigger (read: money making) attractions in Winter Haven, Florida is no longer there. Given the typical demographic of Florida, income taxes are not likely to be topping any national lists. Thus, residents will be forced to wait out the summer. Personally, I think it adds a little color. At least what color is left. Sort of like Ziggy on the water tower in Strongsville.
Good times.
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(h/t to ShysterBall, whom is obviously not a fan of Sir Wahoo)
Author: Scott
Scott is a co-founder/editor of Waiting For Next Year who resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Feel free to follow him on Twitter or email him at scott@waitingfornextyear.com.Scott has written 1701 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
When Hardball Times ran this bit last night, they framed it in terms of a crusade to get the racist imagery off the tower.
GMH – that’s the EXACT same link that I have within the post…
The Tribes new digs are beautiful. I was able to go down to Arizona (Live in Vegas) and check out a game. It was a very nice facility. Too bad Casell decided to pitch batting practice and we got shelled by the Royals…I believe there is a homerun that has yet to land.
Instead of repainting it, they should tear it down and open a casino.
Scott– Didn’t see the hat tip, my bad!
[...] of an introductory phase of other logos, says Paul Dolan. And while Wahoo is still (proudly?) displayed in Winter Haven, Florida – mostly due to cost reasons, the new spring training facility in Goodyear, Arizona is [...]