Smoltz doesn't anticipate Braves name change after Cleveland announcement

John Smoltz, longtime pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, doesn't expect his former team to have a new name anytime soon.

Questions are being raised about professional sports organizations using Native American monikers and logos after the Cleveland Indians confirmed Monday that the club would change its team name sometime after the 2021 season.

Smoltz, however, thinks the Braves will ultimately stick with their name.

"I don't anticipate they're going to have to change the name, but I never anticipated some of the things that have happened in this world the last few years," the Hall of Famer said on "The Jake Asman Show" on SportsMap Radio.

Cleveland's team name has long faced criticism for being racist. The Braves have been similarly chastised for things like the "tomahawk chop" being done at home games.

While Smoltz isn't predicting a Braves name change, he does think the team is open to listening and engaging with critics.

"I think their communication and dialog has been one that's been out front with a lot of groups," he said.

Smoltz went 213-155 with 154 saves while posting a 3.33 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 21 major-league seasons with the Braves, Boston Red Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals.

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