The Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians are set to square off on Friday in the ALCS to battle for a World Series bid, and the matchup may prove an interesting one for Blue Jays announcer Jerry Howarth, who steadfastly refuses to refer to the opposing team as “Indians.”
The match-up has only been decided since Cleveland’s win on Monday, but Howarth’s policy has been in place much longer. The announcer, who’s called Blue Jays games since 1981, hasn’t used Native American teams names, slogans, or lingo in his play-calling since 1992.
His decision to stop using the phrases and names was made in response to a letter he received from a First Nation (indigenous Canadian) member following the ’92 World Series which pitted the Toronto Blue Jays against the Atlanta Braves.
As Howarth recounted on the Jeff Blair Show which was subsequently reported by the Toronto Star:
“He said, ‘Jerry, I appreciate your work, but in the World Series, it was so offensive to have the tomahawk chop and to have people talk about the ‘powwows on the mound’ and then the Cleveland Indians logo and the Washington Redskins. He just wrote it in such a loving, kind way. He said, ‘I would really appreciate it if you would think about what you say with those teams.’”
He concluded, “For the rest of my career I will not say ‘Indian’ or ‘Brave’ and if I was in the NFL I would not say ‘Redskins.’”
Because Howarth didn’t issue a formal declaration on the decision in 1992 or anytime since, his policy hasn’t been well-known, despite the increasing public pressure mounting against teams with names such as the Redskins, Braves, Indians, and Blackhawks.
The Cleveland team officially continues to move away from the objectionable aspects of its identity, such as Chief Wahoo, a gross caricature of a Native American, but has shown little motivation in abandoning the team name, the Indians. In spite of the official moves fans continue to rally around the “vintage” respresentation.
As attention turns toward the remaining two American League teams, Howarth’s quiet refusal to say the Indians name could do more to further discussion of the issue than we’ve seen in quite some time.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.