Amidst discussions over removing Marge Schott’s name from the University of Cincinnati’s baseball stadium. The University has an opportunity to not only address Schott’s racist legacy. They could elevate someone more worthy of recognition.

The same thought comes to this writer’s mind about the discussions over Marge Schott Stadium. That came to mind about a similar discussion at UC last year. Over the legacy of UC’s slave owning founding benefactor Charles McMicken. This is a university in a city with many connections to famous figures. From former President and Supreme Court Justice William Howard Taft. To Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the Moon. Given that history, finding an alternative name for a building or stadium shouldn’t be difficult.

Universities often name things after people for two reasons. First, the person contributed financially to the University. Through her family foundation’s $2 million donation to UC; Marge Schott falls into that category. The second reason is to recognize the achievements of someone. Often times they are connected to the school. As a student, coach, professor or trustee. They might also be a historical figure of regional, national or international importance.

The University of Cincinnati has many options to choose from. For an alternative name for Marge Schott Stadium. Given Schott’s legacy of racist statements; swapping out Schott’s name for a local black baseball legend would be a fitting move. There are many former Cincinnati Reds players to consider. Chuck Harmon was the first Reds African American player.

Along with being a stellar Reds player; Frank Robinson was the first African American Major League Baseball manager. Reds legend Barry Larkin is both a hall of fame inductee and a Cincinnati native. Larkin would be an interesting choice for another reason. His brother Byron is one of crosstown rival Xavier’s most famous alumni. Being one of Xavier Basketball’s most famous players and a longtime radio analyst.

UC also has many noteworthy baseball alumni. Most notably former major leaguers Sandy Koufax and Kevin Youkilis. Along with former coach Glenn Sample and many others. Many aren’t household names for the general public. UC has a chance to elevate at least one of those names in a substantive way.

This could be a fun and thought provoking educational opportunity for UC. Providing such opportunities is part of the mission for any educational institution. Adding proper and accurate context to Marge Schott’s legacy is what matters most here. Adding that context is important regardless of the decisions UC makes about Marge Schott Stadium. Changing the stadium’s name is not about erasing Schott from the history books. This is about confronting and addressing the impact of her racist statements. Not lionizing her while avoiding her racist legacy.