Francisco Lindor, the former beloved infielder of the Cleveland Guardians, made his much-anticipated return to Progressive Field this week, but his homecoming was overshadowed by a social media controversy surrounding his preferred nickname.

Lindor, who was traded to the New York Mets in a blockbuster deal, received a warm reception from the Cleveland faithful despite going 0-for-4 at the plate in his first game back since 2020. The memories of Lindor's time in Cleveland were still fresh in the minds of fans who fondly remembered him as the top shortstop in baseball.

The trade between the Guardians and the Mets proved beneficial for both teams. Cleveland acquired All-Star second baseman Andrés Giménez in the package deal, among other promising players, while Lindor signed a massive 10-year, $341 million extension with the Mets.

However, it seems that there is still some bad blood between Lindor and the Guardians, as their official Twitter account referred to him as "Frankie." Lindor has repeatedly asked people to stop using that nickname and instead call him Francisco, his given name.

Mets broadcaster Howie Rose, aware of the controversy, asked Lindor in an interview what he preferred to be called. Lindor expressed his strong preference for Francisco and explained the significance of the name in his family history. Despite previously going by Frankie without complaint, Lindor made it clear that he now wants to be addressed by his given name.

The Guardians' decision to use the nickname in a celebratory tribute video on social media drew criticism from fans and followers, who felt that it disrespected Lindor's wishes and disregarded his identity. Many took to Twitter to express their disappointment, calling for better treatment and respect towards individuals' preferences.

This incident has sparked a conversation about cultural identities within the sports world. Just as Roberto Clemente emphasized the importance of embracing one's given name, Lindor is sharing his preference for Francisco over the Americanized "Frankie."

As Lindor's return to Cleveland should have been a joyous occasion, the nickname controversy has marred the celebration. It remains unclear whether the Guardians' use of the nickname was intentional or simply a misunderstanding, but it has certainly overshadowed what should have been a nostalgic and positive moment for Lindor and his fans.

Moving forward, it is crucial that organizations and individuals alike respect and honor the preferences of athletes when it comes to their identities. Lindor's return has brought attention to this issue, urging society to do better in recognizing and embracing cultural diversity within sports and beyond.