The Letter C in Logos, Part IV: Conclusion

So far, we have covered the Cleveland C logo in three posts: the Block C (The Letter C in Logos, Part I: the Block C), the Round C (The Letter C in Logos, Part II: the Round C), and finally, the Wishbone C (The Letter C in Logos, Part III: the Wishbone C).

Again, I want to thank Chris Creamer’s Sports Logo Page, for helping me navigate all of these images.

Here is a brief review of all of the Cleveland Block C logos:

Cleveland has now used the Block C logo either on a cap or uniform in 45 seasons, which is only second to the now retired Wahoo logo which appeared in 68 different seasons (and is not coming back). I personally like the current version of the logo best, but it could perhaps use a very thin highlight similar to what was used in the 1980’s (but not as thick as that one) which I think might make it pop just a bit more. But my second favorite version is the one used from 1915-1920, because I prefer that version of blue better to the current blue, and the C is a bit more thicker.

The Reds did use a red Block C before Cleveland in 1900, but it has not ever reappeared for them. The Cubs used a Block C in 5 seasons, but only the version from 1931-1933 was most similar, and that did not have a notch and was only on the alternate caps. The White Sox are second in usage of the Block C, but in only 12 seasons. The version from 1939-1948 was very close to the current Cleveland logo, but much more thin.

Here is a brief review of all of the Cleveland Round C logos (with the Cursive logos added as well):

Cleveland used the Round C in just 17 seasons. And there were only two versions used. I prefer the thicker version myself and again, I much prefer that color blue to the current version.

The Cubs have used a Round C almost continuously since 1906, but the only versions (nicknamed here "Fancy") that they used that were similar to Cleveland’s totaled just 7 seasons. The White Sox also had a few different iterations of a Round C, but the Fancy C was used just for 5 seasons. The Reds have used a slightly different Fancy C more than Cleveland, in 23 seasons, but only on the caps essentially from 1914-1931, but never since.

I also included the Cursive C’s Cleveland used from 1905 to 1909, with my favorite being the 1909 version.

Here is a brief review of all of the Cleveland Wishbone C logos:

Of the different styles of C’s Cleveland has used, the Wishbone C comes in second at 40 seasons. I personally like the 1933-45 home jersey the best and even better than the version Cincinnati uses currently. The Reds have used a Wishbone C in some form or another since 1914, but the first version of the wider mouth Wishbone appeared in 1937, which technically is after Cleveland’s 1935 version. But Cleveland should never return to the Wishbone as both Cincinnati and Minnesota (now 46 seasons) are more known for it. I did also include the Greek C in the last image which was used for 5 seasons.

Conclusion:

In my heralded opinion, the Cleveland Baseball Team can do one of three things once the team is renamed.

1. Keep the Block C

2. Keep the Block C, but modify it

3. Go in a completely different direction to make a full clean break

Of those three options, I believe they will choose Option 1. This does allow some continuity within the franchise. I personally believe that Option 2 should be the choice. I would like to keep the Block C, but add a very thin highlight trim around it. I also believe they should change the colors. I personally love the blue colors they used in the 1910s and 1920s.

If they do go in a new direction, I would love to go back to the Round/Fancy C as I like that style. Or even the Cursive C (which could also be modified/updated). But if you had the choice, what would you choose? There are plenty of other fonts out there to be used. They could opt for a hexagonal C, or a completely new style of C. Please provide any suggestions.

Thanks for letting me provide some context on the logo.

Dean (talonk)