Johnny Allen RH (1936-40)
One of the first pitchers to throw a slider, he went 49-19 in his first three years in Cleveland, including 15-1 with 2.55 ERA in 1937. The two-time All-Star had a 67-34 record with the Indians and was 142-75 overall in a 13-year career. His 15 consecutive wins in 1937 remain a club record.
Jim Bagby Sr, RH (1916-23)
Led AL in wins (31-12 record), complete games (30) and innings (339.2) in 1920 as Tribe won World Series. Was first pitcher to hit a World Series homer in Game 5. Went 122-85 with 26 saves in Tribe career. Son Jim, Jr., went 55-54 for Tribe (1941-45).
Len Barker, RH (1979-83)
Pitched perfect game vs. Toronto, 3-0, on May 15, 1981. "Large Lenny" led AL in strikeouts in 1980, when he was 19-12, and 1981, when he pitched a scoreless All-Star inning at the Stadium. Went 56-49 in five seasons with Indians.
Gene Bearden, LH (1947-50)
Went 20-7 with an AL-leading 2.43 ERA as a rookie in 1948. He won the one-game AL playoff in Boston to put Cleveland in the World Series, then pitched a shutout in Game 3 and saved the championship-clinching Game 6.
Gary Bell, RH (1958-67)
"Ding Dong" went 96-92 with 45 saves in 10 years (1958-67) with Indians. An All-Star in 1960 and 1966, he was equally adept starting or relieving. His best years in Cleveland were 1959 (16-11, 5 saves) and 1965 (6-5, 17 saves, 3.04 ERA).
Tom Candiotti, RH (1986-91, 1999)
Led AL with 17 complete games in 1986 with a career-best 16 wins. Went 73-66 in 183 games overall with Indians and 151-164 as part of a 16-year career. Best ERA was 2.65 in 1991, when he was 7-6 with a 2.24 ERA for Cleveland before being dealt to Toronto.
Stan Coveleski, RH (1916-24)
Hall of Famer allowed two runs (0.67ERA) in three complete-game victories in 1920 World Series. Went 172-123 with 2.80 ERA, 31 shutouts and 194 complete games in nine years (1916-24) with Indians. Won 22 or more four straight years (1918-22).
Dennis Eckersley, RH (1975-77)
Began 24-year career with three seasons in Cleveland, going 40-32. Was 13-7 with two saves and a 2.60 ERA as a rookie. Was an All-Star and pitched 2-0 no-hitter vs. Angels at Stadium in 1977. Finished career with 197-171 mark and 390 saves.
Bob Feller, RH (1936-56)
Hall of Famer (266-162) had three no-hitters, 12 one-hitters and 44 shutouts. Eight-time All-Star holds club records for wins (266), strikeouts (2,581), innings (3,827) and walks (1,764) despite missing 3.5 years due to World War II. His #19 is retired.
Wes Ferrell, RH (1927-33)
Had 21 or more wins four years in a row (1929-32). Pitched a no-hitter over St. Louis Browns at League Park,April 29, 1931. Went 102-62 for Indians and 193-128 in 15 seasons overall. Holds the major-league record for homers hit by a pitcher, 38.
Mike Garcia, RH (1948-59)
Three-time (1952-54) All-Star went 142-96 with 21 saves for Cleveland. "The Big Bear" led AL in earned run average in 1949 (2.36) and 1954 (2.64), helping Tribe to World Series in '54. Won 18 or more four straight seasons (1951-54).
Jim Grant, RH (1958-64)
"Mudcat" became even more legendary in Cleveland in the 1970s as a Tribe TV announcer after going 145-119 with 53 saves in a 14-year career with seven clubs -- and 67-63 with eight saves for Indians. He was an All-Star in 1963 and again in 1965.
Vean Gregg, LH (1911-14)
Went 72-36 with a 2.31 ERA and was a 20-game winner three times in four seasons in Cleveland. His best season was a remarkable rookie year, when he was 23-7 with a league-leading 1.80 ERA as he pitched five of his 14 career shutouts.
Steve Gromek, RH (1941-53)
Went 78-67 with 17 saves in 309 games over 13 years with the Indians. An All-Star in 1945, when he went 19-9 with 21 complete games, three shutouts and 2.55 ERA. Won pivotal Game 4 of 1948 World Series over Boston Braves, 2-1.
Mel Harder, RH (1927-47)
Club leader in games pitched (582) and seasons (20) went 223-186. Holds all-time record of no runs allowed in 13 All-Star innings, over four games (1934-37). Won 15 or more games eight times. Tribe pitching coach, 1948-63. His #18 is retired.
Orel Hershiser (1995-97)
In three seasons in Cleveland, "The Bulldog" went 45-21 and helped the Indians gain the post-season each year, including two trips to the World Series. During the 1995 post-season, he went 4-1 with a 1.53 ERA allowing only 20 innings.
Willis Hudlin, RH (1926-40)
"Ace" compiled a 157-151 record with 31 saves in 475 games over 15 years with Indians, winning 10 or more games nine times. He went 18-12 in 1927 and 15-11 in 1935. He pitched complete games in 154 of 320 starts for Cleveland.
Doug Jones, RH (1986-91, 1998)
Holds the club career saves record (129). In three straight (1988-90) All-Star years with Indians, he had 112 saves and a 2.40 ERA. In 295 games overall with the Indians, he struck out 357 and walked 104 in 452.1 innings.
Addie Joss, RH (1902-10)
Hall of Famer had 2-0 perfect game vs. Chicago on Oct. 2, 1908 and no-hit White Sox on April 29, 1910. Twice led AL in ERA (1.59 in 1904; 1.16 in 1908). Went 160-97 with team records of 45 shutouts and 1.89 career ERA. Died at age 31 of meningitis.
Bob Lemon, RH (1946-58)
Hall of Famer, seven-time All-Star and seven-time 20-game winner had one no-hitter, 31 shutouts and went 207-128 with 22 saves in 460 games. Went 2-0 in '48 World Series. Converted infielder also hit 37 career homers. His #21 is retired.
Sam McDowell, LH (1961-71)
"Sudden Sam" led AL in strikeouts five times (1965-66, 68-70) and in ERA (2.18) in 1965. Fanned 2,159 in 2,109 innings for Tribe, going 122-109 with 2.99 ERA. Six-time All-Star had career-best 1.81 ERA in 1968.
Jose Mesa, RH (1992-98)
Converted starter had an incredible three-year (1995-97) run as a reliever, accumulating 101 saves in that span. Had amazing 1995, going 3-0 with club-record 46 saves (including 38 straight at one point) and a 1.13 ERA. Was 33-36 with 104 saves in 305 games for Tribe.
Guy Morton, RH (1914-24)
Compiled a 98-88 record in 11 seasons, all with Indians. Overcame 1-13 rookie year in 1914 for a team that went 51-102 with best season -- 16-15 with six shutouts and 2.14 ERA in 1915 for a 57-95 club. Went 14-8 with a 2.64 ERA in 1918.
Don Mossi, LH (1954-58)
Went 6-1 with seven saves and a 1.94 ERA as a rookie reliever in 1954. Had 27 saves in first three seasons, then became a starter in 1957, when he made the All-Star team and went 11-10. First five years of 12-year career were with Indians.
Charles Nagy, RH (1990-2000)
Three-time All-Star (1992, '96, '99) is 123-93. Thru 2000, best years thus far include 1992 (17-10, career-best 2.96 ERA, 10 complete games and three shutouts) and 1996 (17-5, 3.41 ERA). His single in 1992 was the first hit by a pitcher in an All-Star Game in 29 years. He currently ranks 10th in innings pitched and 5th in strikeouts in Indians history.
Ray Narleski, RH (1954-58)
Best season was his second, 1955, when he went 9-1 and led AL with 19 saves and 60 appearances. In five years with Indians, was a two-time All-Star and had a combined record of 39-21 with 53 saves.
Satchel Paige, RH (1948-49)
No player made such an impact on Cleveland in as short a time. Went 6-1 with 2.48 ERA and two memorable shutouts as 41-year-old rookie in 1948 after years in the Negro League. Was 10-8 with six saves in 52 games for Tribe and an all-time fan favorite.
Gaylord Perry, RH (1972-77)
Hall of Famer won 1972 Cy Young Award, going 24-16 with 1.92 ERA. Had a save in only relief outing in 41 games (342.2 innings) in '72. A two-time All-Star with Indians, going 70-57 with a 2.51 ERA in midst of a 22-year career (314-265, 3.11 ERA).
Jim Perry, RH (1959-63, 1974-75)
"The Commodore" led AL in wins (18-10) in 1960 and was an All-Star in 1961 while with Indians. Gaylord's older brother went 70-67 with five saves during two stints in Cleveland and had a career mark of 215-174 with 10 saves.
Robert Rhoads, RH (1903-09)
"Dusty" went 88-66 with a 2.39 ERA over seven seasons with the Indians. His best years were 1906 (22-10, 1.80 ERA) and 1908 (18-12, 1.77 ERA), when he had a no-hitter vs. Boston. Had 130 of his 154 career complete games for Indians.
Herb Score, LH (1955-59)
AL Rookie of the Year (16-10, 2.85 ERA) in 1955 went 20-9, 2.53 ERA in '56. Two-time All-Star fanned 547 in first 512 innings before being hit in the eye by a batted ball in '57. Retired in '62 with 55-46 mark and spent 34 years as Tribe broadcaster.
Sonny Siebert, RH (1964-69)
Pitched a 2-0 no-hitter over Washington on June 10, 1966, on way to All-Star Game. Went 16-8 in both 1965 and 1966 and compiled a 61-48 mark with a fine 2.76 ERA and nine saves in 181 games for Indians.
Luis Tiant, RH (1964-69)
Began 19-year career (1964-82) by going 75-64 with 12 saves and 2.84 ERA with Indians. Best year was 1968, when he started All-Star Game and went 21-7 with AL-leading 1.60 ERA, allowing just 152 hits in 258.1 innings and fanning 264.
George Uhle, RH (1919-28, 1936)
"The Bull" twice led AL in wins, complete games and innings: 1923 (26-16, 29 CG, 357.2 IP) and 1926 (27-11, 32 CG, 318.1 IP). Also batted .289 (393-for-1,360) with 187 RBI in 18 seasons in major leagues.
Rick Waits, LH (1975-83)
Spent nine of his 12 years in the majors in Cleveland, where his 74 wins are the second-most by a left-hander in team history. Had good success against the rival New York Yankees. Had career-high 16 wins in 1979.
Early Wynn, RH (1949-57, 1963)
Hall of Famer and 300-game winner pitched in three All-Star Games for Indians and six overall in 23-year career (1939-63). A 20-game winner four times in 10 years in Cleveland, his overall record with the Tribe was 164-102 with 10 saves and a 3.24 ERA.
CATCHERS (7)
Sandy Alomar (1990-2000)
Six-time All-Star hit game-winning homer and was MVP of 1997 All-Star Game at Jacobs Field. Won 1990 Gold Glove, when he was AL Rookie of the Year. Hit 93 homers in 985 games for Indians. Best year was 1997(.324, 21 HR, 83 RBI).
Joe Azcue (1963-69)
Had career highs of 14 homers and .280 average in 1963. Hit .280 in 1968 when he was an All-Star. Compiled .252 average with six teams (1960-72). He led AL catchers in fielding percentage in both 1967 and 1968.
Ray Fosse (1967-72, 1976-77)
Two-time All-Star had best year in 1970 when he had career-bests of 18 homers, 62 runs, 61 RBI and .307 average despite shoulder injury suffered in a collision with Pete Rose in an All-Star Game. Had 50 homers in 600 games with Tribe.
Jim Hegan (1941-57)
Five-time All-Star played 1,526 games over 14 seasons with Indians. Considered one of the best fielding catchers of all time. Had career highs of 14 homers and 61 RBI in helping Indians win 1948 World Championship.
Steve O'Neill (1911-23)
Spent first 13 years of 17-year career in Cleveland. At peak of career as a fine fielding catcher (1920-22), he also hit .321, .322 and .311. Played in 1,365 games for Indians and had a 199-168 record as the team's manager, 1935-37.
Johnny Romano (1960-64)
Two-time All-Star with Indians (1961-62) his 91 homers were a team record for catchers until broken by Sandy Alomar. Hit 25 homers with 81 RBI in 1962. Batted career-high .299 in 1961. Had 129 homers in career (1958-67).
Luke Sewell (1921-32)
Played first 12 of his 20 major-league seasons in Cleveland. His best year with the Indians was 1927 when he hit .294 with 53 RBI. Played 978 of his 1,678 career games with Indians, including 944 at catcher. Brother of Hall of Famer Joe.
FIRST BASEMEN (9)
George Burns (1920-21, 1924-28)
Led AL with 216 hits and team-record 64 doubles in 1926, when he also had career highs in runs (97), RBI (114), a .358 average and beat out Babe Ruth for league MVP award. Averaged .327 in 757games with Indians and .307 in 1,866 games overall (1914-29).
Luke Easter (1949-54)
Had 93 homers and 340 RBI in 1,725 at-bats for Indians after long career in minors and Negro Leagues. Averaged 29 homers and 102 RBI over three-year span (1950-52). Hit longest homer (477 feet into upper deck) in Cleveland Stadium history.
Lew Fonseca (1927-31)
Had fabulous 1929 when .369 average led AL and he set career highs in hits (209), runs (97), doubles (44), triples (15), RBI (103) and steals (19). Averaged .337 in 401 games for Indians and had a .316 mark over 12-year career (1921-33).
Mike Hargrove (1979-85)
"The Human Rain Delay" batted .292 in 888 games with Indians. Led AL with a .432 on-base percentage in '81. Best year in Cleveland was 1980 when he hit .304 with 11 homers, 86 runs and 85 RBI. Went 721-591 as Indians manager (1991-99)
Vic Power (1958-61)
A four-time All-Star, including twice with Cleveland (1959-60), he won seven Gold Gloves with a revolutionary one-handed style in a 12-year career. He earned a Gold Glove all four years he was with the Indians, hitting .312 in 1958 and scoring 102 runs in 1959.
Pat Tabler (1983-91)
He was an All-Star in 1987, when he had career highs of 34 doubles, 11 homers and 86 RBI and hit .307, one year after batting a career-best .326. He hit a rather incredible .527 (29-for-55) with the bases loaded for Indians, and his .489 (43-88) career average with the bags juiced is tops over the last 20 years.
Jim Thome (1991-2000)
Three-time All-Star (1997-99) has 233 homers, 685 RBI and .284 average in 1,074 games. Twice led AL in walks (120 in 1997 and team-record 127 in '99). Converted third baseman also has 16 homers in 50 post-season games. Is 9 HR shy of being all-time HR hitter in Indians history.
Andre Thornton(1977-87)
Two-time All-Star (1982, '84) had 214 homers and 749 RBI in 1,225 games with the Tribe. Had 33 homers, 105 RBI in '78; 32 homers, 116 RBI in '82 and 33 homers, 99 RBI in '84.
Hal Trosky (1933-41)
In 1,124 games with Cleveland (1933-41), he totaled 216 homers, 911 RBI and a .313 average. In 1936, he had career highs of 42 homers, 162 RBI, 124 runs and a .343 average. In a four-year span (1934-37) he averaged 34 homers and 136 RBI.
SECOND BASEMEN (9)
Roberto Alomar (1999-2000)
Considered one of the games premier talents. In first two years in Cleveland, accumulated 249 runs, 80 doubles, 43 homers, 209 RBI, 76 steals and a .316 average, won two Gold Gloves and was on two All-Star teams. Owns 8 career Gold Gloves and is a 11 time all-star in his 13 year career.
Bobby Avila (1949-58)
Three-time All-Star hit a league-leading .341 in 1954, when he also had career highs in homers (15), runs (112) and RBI (67). Led AL second basemen in fielding in 1953, led league in triples (11) in 1952. Averaged .284 in 10 years in Cleveland.
Carlos Baerga (1990-96, 1999)
Switch-hitter and three-time All-Star (1992-93, '95) set numerous offensive records in four-year (92-95) span when he totaled 75 homers, 389 RBI, 365 runs, 44 steals and a .316 overall average. Hit .292 with nine RBI in 15 post-season games with Indians.
Joe Gordon, 2B (1947-50)
An All-Star in first three of four Tribe seasons. Career highs of 32 homers and 128 RBI helped Indians to 1948 World Championship. Hit 100 of his 253 career homers with Indians. Before that, was a six-time All-Star and 1942 MVP.
Odell Hale, 2B (1931-40)
Had three (1934-36) very good seasons amidst nine-year career with Indians. In those three years, he totaled 288 runs, 43 homers, 289 RBI and a .308 average. Played 488 games at second and 433 at third for the Indians.
Johnny Hodapp, 2B (1925-32)
Accumulated most of career stats in fabulous 1930 season when he led AL with 51 doubles and 225 hits to go with career highs in RBI (121), runs (111), homers (9) and batting average (.354). Averaged .318 in 608 games with Indians.
Duane Kuiper (1974-81)
Terrific defensive player, enjoyed best year in 1977, when he hit only career homer (in 3,379 at bats) off Chicago's Steve Stone and had career highs of 62 runs, eight triples and 50 RBI. Twice led AL second basemen in fielding percentage.
Napoleon Lajoie(1902-14)
Hall of Famer won three of his five batting titles in Cleveland. Was so popular the club was named (Naps) for him (1903-14). Was 397-330 as player-manager (1905-09). Hit .338 in career (1896-1916) and is among all-time leaders in many categories.
Bill Wambsganss (1914-24)
Turned unassisted triple play in Game 5 of 1920 World Series and had 1,083 hits in 1,170 games for Indians. A fine fielder throughout his 13-year career overall, he amassed 4,262 assists an 3,411 putouts in 1,492 major-league games.
THIRD BASEMEN (9)
Max Alvis (1962-69)
An All-Star in 1965 and 1967, he hit 111 homers in 951 games with the Indians. Had career highs of 22 homers and a .274 average in 1963. Later battled back from spinal meningitis, which sidelined him much of 1964.
Buddy Bell (1972-78)
Began career as an outfielder. A 1973 All-Star at third base, where he starred for 17 of his 18 years (1972-89) in majors and won six gold gloves and four more All-Star apperances in later years. Averaged .274 and hit 64 homers in 987 games with Indians.
Bill Bradley (1901-10)
Led AL third basemen in fielding percentage four times and hit .272 in 1,231 games with Indians. Best season in Cleveland was 1902 when he had career highs of 104 runs, 11 homers and a .340 average. Had career-best 83 RBI in 1904.
Travis Fryman (1998-2000)
In three years in Cleveland he has already established himself as one of team's all-time greats. Won Gold Glove and set career highs of .321 average and 106 RBI in 2000. Is a lifetime .279 hitter, however in three years with the Tribe, he owns a .293 average.
Larry Gardner (1919-25)
"The Happy Warrior" had an amazing 401 RBI with just 10 homers in 673 games for Indians. He closed a 17-year career with six seasons in Cleveland. He hit .310 with 118 RBI for the 1920 World Champs and .319 with 120 RBI the next year.
Toby Harrah (1979-83)
Best of his five years in Cleveland was 1982, when he was an All-Star and hit a career-best .304 with 25 homers, 100 runs and 78 RBI. Played 17 years (1969-86) overall. A team leader and steady fielder, he totaled 70 homers and 82 steals for Indians.
Brook Jacoby (1984-92)
A two-time All-Star (1986, 1990) in nine years with the Indians. "Jake" totaled 120 homers in 1,240 games and played a steady third base. Best years were 1985 (20 homers, 87 RBI, .274) and 1987 (32 homers, 69 RBI, .300).
Ken Keltner (1937-49)
Seven-time All-Star made two great plays in 1941 to stop Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak. Totaled 163 homers, 850 RBI and .276 average in 1,513 games with Indians. Had career highs of 31 HR, 119 RBI, 91 runs in '48 and .325 average in '39.
Al Rosen (1947-56)
Four-time All-Star and 1953 MVP (43 homers, 145 RBI, .336) twice led AL in homers, RBI and total bases. In last seven years (1950-56) before retiring at age 32, he averaged 27 homers, 86 runs, 102 RBI and a .287 average. Last Indian to win the MVP award.
SHORTSTOPS (7)
Lou Boudreau (1938-50)
Hall of Famer and seven-time All-Star won 1944 batting title (.327) and was 1948 MVP (.355, 18 HR, 106 RBI). "The Boy Manager" went 728-649 as player-manager (1942-50), winning 1948 World Championship. His #5 is retired.
Ray Chapman (1912-20)
Only major-leaguer to die because of injury in a game. Hit in head by pitch by Yankees' Carl Mays on Aug. 16, 1920, and died next day. Led AL in runs (84) and walks (84) in 1918. Hit .278 with 233 stolen bases in 1,015 games and was a fine fielder.
Julio Franco (1983-88, 1996-97)
Played 1,088 of 1,891 career games with Indians. Hit 295 with 131 steals in 898 games, mostly as a flamboyant shortstop, in first tour with Cleveland. After a year in Japan, returned to majors and hit .322 as a first baseman-DH for Indians in 1996.
Woodie Held(1958-64)
Obtained from Kansas City in the Roger Maris trade, he hit 130 homers in 855 games for Indians, including a career-high 29 in 1959. He also played outfield, second and third in a 14-year career that included stops with six other clubs.
Joe Sewell (1920-31)
Hall of Famer played 11 years in Cleveland, averaging .320 in 1,513 games. Struck out just 114 times in 7,132 career at-bats. Hit .353 with 109 RBI in '23. Led AL in doubles (45) in '24; topped AL shortstops in fielding percentage three times.
Terry Turner (1904-18)
All-time Indians team leader in games (1,619) had 1,472 hits (eighth in club history) and 254 steals (second). He led AL shortstops in fielding percentage four times. Scored 699 runs overall in a 17-year career (1901-19).
Omar Vizquel (1994-2000)
Won Gold Glove all seven years in Cleveland and eight years in a row. Two-time All-Star (1998-99) had best season in '99 when he had career highs of 112 runs, 66 RBI and .333 average. Has 26 runs in 52 post-season games. His .982 career fielding percentage is the highest in MLB history among shortstops.
OUTFIELDERS (23)
Earl Averill (1929-39)
Hall of Famer and six-time All-Star had .322 average in 1,509 games for Tribe. Holds club marks for runs (1,154), RBI (1,024) triples (121), extra-base hits (724) and total bases (3,200). Hit .378 (AL-best 232 hits) in 1936. His #3 is retired.
Albert Belle (1989-96)
Set club homer mark for season (50, 1995). Four-time All-Star (1993-96) averaged 39 HR and 119 RBI in last six years with club. Hit career-high .357 in '94. Led AL in HRs (50) and doubles (52) in '95. Led AL in RBI in '93, '95 and '96.
Joe Carter (1984-89)
Hit 151 homers in 839 games with Indians. Best season in Cleveland was 1986, when he led AL with 121 RBI and had 29 homers and steals, 108 runs and .302 average. In last four years in Cleveland, averaged 31 homers, 106 RBI and 25 steals.
Joe Charboneau(1980-82)
The 1980 AL Rookie of the Year was nicknamed "Super Joe" and had both a book and rock-n-roll song written about him when he hit .289 with 23 homers and 87 RBI.
Rocky Colavito (1955-59, 1965-67)
Three-time All-Star (1959, '65, '66) with Tribe. Hit 190 homers in 913 games for club and 374 in career (1955-68). With Tribe, led AL in slugging (.620) in 1958; homers (42) in 1959; RBI (108) in 1965, and walks (93) and fielding (1.000) in 1966.
Larry Doby (1947-55, 1958)
Hall of Famer and seven-time All-Star was first African-American in AL. Led AL in homers (32) and runs (104) in 1952 and homers (32) and RBI (126) in 1954. His homer won Game 4 of 1948 World Series. His #14 is retired.
Elmer Flick (1902-10)
Tribe turned down Detroit trade offer of Ty Cobb for this Hall of Famer, who hit .299 in 935 games with Indians and .313 with 353 steals in 13-year career. Bedford native won 1908 batting title (.308) and led AL in doubles three times.
Tito Francona (1959-64)
Best year was 1959, when he hit .363 with 20 homers in 122 games. Led AL in doubles (36) in 1960 and was a 1961 All-Star, hitting .301 with career-high 85 RBI. Averaged .284 in 835 games for Indians. Enjoyed a 15-year major league career.
Jack Graney(1908-22)
First major-leaguer to play a game with a uniform number (No. 1) in 1916 and first player to become a broadcaster in 1932. All 1,402 games in his 14-year career were with Indians. Led AL with 41 doubles in 1916. Twice led league in walks.
Jeff Heath(1936-45)
All-Star in 1941, '43 and '44, but not in best year of '38 (.343, 21 homers, 104 runs, 112 RBI and AL-high 18 triples). Had career highs of 20 triples, 18 steals and 20 assists in '41. Totaled 122 homers and .298 average in 947 games with Indians.
George Hendrick (1973-76)
Was an All-Star four times in his career and twice with the Indians (1974-75). In 546 games over four seasons with Cleveland, he had 89 homers, 295 RBI and was a graceful outfielder with an exceptional throwing arm.
Joe Jackson (1910-15)
Legendary "Shoeless Joe" had infamous 13-year (1908-20) career until age 30. He averaged .375 in 674 games for Cleveland, topped by a .408 mark in 1911. Led AL in hits (226) and triples (26) in 1912 and hits (197), doubles (36) and slugging (.551) in 1913.
Charlie Jamieson (1919-32)
In 1,483 games over 14 seasons with Indians, he averaged .316 and totaled 1,753 hits, 296 doubles and 107 steals while playing a fine outfield. He scored a career-high 130 runs in 1923, when he led the league with 222 hits and batted .345.
Kenny Lofton (1992-96, 1998-2000)
Club's all-time steals leader (430) in 1,091 games. Hit career-high .349 in '94. Overcame shoulder injury in '99 post-season to get career highs in homers (15) and RBI (73) in 2000. Has four Gold Gloves and five All-Star Game selections with Tribe.
Rick Manning (1975-83)
Played 1,063 games in nine years for Indians. Won Gold Glove in 1976 when he also hit a career-high .292. Led the Tribe in steals 3 times. Swiped 10 or more bases seven times for Tribe, topped by career-best 30 in 1979. Spent last 11 years of century as a Tribe TV broadcaster.
Minnie Minoso (1949, 1951, 1958-59)
Began 17-year career with 30 games in '49 and '51 with Cleveland. Returned for two-year stay (1958-59) as a huge fan favorite, totaling 45 homers, 186 runs, 172 RBI and 22 steals with a .302 average before being traded back to Chicago.
Dale Mitchell (1946-56)
A two-time All-Star (1949, 1952), he averaged .312 in 1,108 games for Indians. Led AL with 203 hits and 23 triples in 1949. Hit career-high .336 in 1948, when he led AL outfielders in fielding. Was considered one of the games svelt defensive outfielders before Gold Gloves were awarded.
Manny Ramirez (1993-2000)
Had 236 homers and 804 RBI in 967 games for Indians, including team-record 165 RBI in 1999, when he hit .333 with career-highs of 44 homers and 131 runs. Four-time All-Star had 127 homers and 432 RBI in 415 games over last three seasons.
Frank Robinson(1974-76)
Was first African-American manager in baseball history and hit homer in first at-bat in that role as player-manager in 1975. Among all-time greats (1956-76) in all offensive categories. Hall of Famer had only 235 at bats for Tribe, hitting .226 with 15 homers.
Al Smith(1953-57, 1964)
Led AL in runs scored (123) in 1955, when he hit .306 with 22 homers and was an All-Star. Hit 67 of his 164 career homers in 669 games for Indians. Played 1,517 games overall (1953-64). Also played 181 games at third base for Tribe.
Tris Speaker (1916-26)
Hall of Famer, 1912 MVP and 1916 batting champ (.387) played 11 years in Cleveland and 22 years overall (1907-28). All-time leader in doubles (792, AL leader eight times) and outfield assists (449) with .344 career average and 3,515 hits.
Joe Vosmik(1930-36)
Cleveland native's best season was 1935, when he led AL in hits (216), doubles (47), triples (20), played in the All-Star Game, and also had 110 RBI and a .348 average. In 824 games with Indians, he averaged .313.
Leon Wagner (1964-68)
"Daddy Wags" hit 97 of his 211 career homers with Indians. Best year in Cleveland was 1964 (31 homers, 100 RBI, 94 runs). Hit .294 with 28 homers in 1965. Also had 26 stolen bases in 30 attempts in 1964-65. Played 12 years (1958-69) overall.
I can't take it anymore. Its gone too far. Our base running, base stealing, and ability to hold runners from running continues to be a suck.
For all the new fad Sabermetric managers who continue to downplay the importance of this aspect of the game, they can blow that out an orifice. (Base stealing needs to be at a 75% success rate my ass).
I wander back and forth between base running and base stealing, so stick with me. Done correctly, they are basically the same animal. We are basically trying to get extra bases with both, are we not?
You can win games with it, or lose them if you do not better your skills with it. Of course there will be times your not successful with your steals. That's baseball. Nothing in the game of baseball has a high degree of success. Its all about beating the averages, being better than the other teams averages.
Most teams aren't good at it. Why? Because looks who's teaching it! Use our Tribe for an example. Tell me who on the coaching staff was a great base runner/stealer? I'm not waiting for a reply, because there is none.
The team needs me. Base running/stealing is an attitude. I can instruct attitude. No more passiveness when we blunder on the bases. No "Oh gosh darn it", when we get caught in a rundown. Its about timing, knowing the pitcher, learning what to watch, knowing the situation, and a whole lot more.
We need to bring attitude to the team, in true Wild Thing, Sam Kinison style. Those stupid base running blunders catch an "AAA! AAAAA! AAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!" from the base coach, who now dons a trenchcoat. We need a bit of the Wild Thing on the bases. It shouldn't be a question of, "Is he going to run, But, "When is he running?".
Because we're going to run. We're going to get all the free 90 footers we can.
Opposing pitchers will not only fear our hitters, they will panic with them on base. We will double their focus. Hitter-Runner-Hitter-Runner-Runner?Hitter? Whaa????
Base runners need to demand attention. None of this "Ghost-Runner" type baseball we play now with them. You all remember the 'ghost runners' we used as a kid in the sandlots, when we were short players for a team.
We play hardball here. Baseball is about hustle. And in classic Monty Python style, we "break wind" in the general direction of the Sabermetrics. Their fad method of baseball management will soon prove to be just that, a fad with weaknesses of its own.
Its all about hustle, and base running and stealing are hustle.
First, let me say I couldn't take notes, so this is my own words from memory.
Yes, I know, But I think you will get the just of it. Anyhow, take it for what its worth.
About Leaving Cleveland.
Thome and his wife had no decision made 5 minutes until deadline. They were in as much of a panic as anyone could be. No idea what they should do.
It was the money. How could you turn it down? How could you not set your family up for a lifetime?
Truth be told, Jim felt like Cleveland had a year and half to settle this. It should never gotten to that point. Here comes Philly, offering him more than he'd ever imagined.
On Players he's played with.
Omar. Without a doubt, the absolute best defensive guy with a glove he's ever played with or will.
Sandy Alomar. Extremely charismatic. A Great guy. He will be managing somewhere, someday. Great influence in the clubhouse.
Dick Jacobs. An absolute winner.
John Hart. Set the stage for modern day GM's. A Big Sack, not afraid to pull the trigger on a big trade. Taught Jim alot about baseball and its ways.
Manny. Helped push Thome. The absolute best right handed bat in the game. Jim felt like Manny pushed him to be the best Left-Handed bat.
Albert. Loved the pressure of the game, could always rise to the occassion.
Thomes contributions to the community were brought up. The list was long and His awards were many, including the Roberto Clemente award.
If he gets his 500 + homers, gets to Cooperstown, which hat will he wear?
Thome, "C'mon.....is there any doubt? There is no doubt.....There is no doubt"
JT wants to finish his career in Cleveland. It is his dream. He wants to end it where it started.
A did you know at the very end of the interview.
After Jims mother passed away, on the back of her headstone, is a picture of Jacobs field, with 2 angels in the background.
Sorry I couldn't be more descriptive and clearer.
Jim gave me some great baseball to watch while in Cleveland. He owes me nothing. I am happy he got his big payday. I wish it was here in Cleveland, but it didnt go that way.
Spring Training is almost over! Except for the players and managers, its really absolutely worthless when it comes to the fans. The only exception being it means summer is just around the corner and we'll soon be playing for keeps.
We did do some good signings though! Grady and Jhonny will be with us for a long time. We're sure you have seen that news posted all over the web, so we won't bother.
And it looks like its a farewell to Brandon Phillips. We really thought he would make the team this season. But...its probably better he is leaving. The kid needs a new start somewhere. Brandon and the Tribes front office have whizzed up and down each others pant leg long enough, it just wasn't going anywhere.
We note we do see improvement in BP's swing and approach to hitting.
Meanwhile, we continue to move into our new sites.
We invite all our online Tribe fans and friends to stop in and help populate the site with good Indians web links, stories, pictures, and anything else they find that would help us build a sweet Tribe fansite.
Make it a new hobby! We'd love to have you on board!
And the Guys over at The CSZ continue to kick out some killer Cleveland links.
The Tribe Zone is on the web, and it rocks! Fresh Indians news hourly. They have a members picture section they call "WaHooTers". Very nice. Upload a pic, comment on it and others, rate them, send them as ECards. Very cool!
In an article by Fox Sports Rosenthal , Catcher Shortage , he points out what most of us probably knew, but don't bring up too often.
"Clubs routinely ask too much of their starting catchers, in part due to a dearth of quality backups. The teams in best shape at the position either boast a star regular or quality tandem."
Dearth being defined as scarce.
We think we see it here also. Bard had no real impact here. And we're certain Victor is feeling the pains of the catcher position.
So why the urgency in moving Ryan Garko to 1st? He's struggling defensively there as has been pointed out on several occassions by Shapiro. Is he best served as a catcher?
How about our newest acquisition, Kelly Shoppach? Do we not push developement of these guys as catchers instead of what we wish them to be for us?
"Take the Reds, who led the majors in on-base/slugging percentage at catcher last season; they started Jason LaRue in 104 games and Javier Valentin in 58."
"And while the Red Sox rely heavily on Jason Varitek, they generally use a different catcher for knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, a pattern that enabled them to limit Varitek to a relatively modest average of 122 starts over the past four seasons"
Have we investigated the avenue of substitution for Victor depending on who's pitching? Shouldn't we?
We like to point out here at Tribe Sports our backup/utility positions are terrible. And have been. Victor, Peralta, Sizemore just weren't getting the breaks they needed , when they needed them last season. Fatigue was a factor towards the end of the season , as was stated by Wedgie. At least for Peralta and Sizemore. We're throwing Victor in there also.
We need to backup Victor. So why not Garko? Here's a good quote by Billy Beane on Rosenthals article.
"We're going to give Jason more of a rest this year, no question," A's general manager Billy Beane says. "Melhuse is a pretty good offensive player who deserves to play."
Garko deserves to play? Yes? We say Hell Yes! We got to get some relief in for Victor. The catchers position can be grueling. And often is somewhere during the season.
"The shortage of catchers, however, remains a problem throughout baseball. The Dodgers, Braves and Angels are perhaps the only clubs deep in young catching. One scouting director says that out of the top 100 prospects in this year's draft, only three or four are catchers. "
From Rosenthal,
"Still, there's no denying that as the seasons pass and innings mount, the unique rigors of playing catcher often transform an offensive threat into a less imposing hitter."
We've teamed up with The Cleveland Sports Zone and now offer Indians, Browns, and Cavs fans a place to hang out and share photos. The CSZ uses the Coppermine Photo Gallery, the absolute best in the business. You can rate photos, email them as ECards, comment about them, and more. Truly a great feature.
Are you a member there yet?
Spring training is underway. The World Baseball Classic is underway. Kind of nasty timing for the WBC, eh. I hope they rethink the timing of this thing. It could blossom into something huge.
I would do it during the World Series. Teams that are in the playoffs, obviously would keep their players. But for the teams that don't make it, those players would be eligible to play in the World Baseball series.
Squeeze more classic and 'high calibre' baseball into the end of the season. The players are well into the season, and playing at their best. Should injury occur, they have the offseason to mend.
Thrown in the corner: Ronnie Belliard is not bashful when it comes to boasting about his third-base skills.
"I'm amazing at third base," he said with a wry grin. "You can't get anything past me."
Belliard played third for the Licey club in his native Dominican Republic. Some people down there were apparently so impressed with his skills at the hot corner that they asked him why he doesn't play it more often.
"'Cause I'm a second baseman," Belliard responded.
I'd like to see Bellies man the 3rd base side. His old school style of defense would be interesting to watch there. Ronnie plays the field. Even though at 2nd base his responsibility is the base, he roams the field and makes his play where he see's the need. He'll take a stand where you never see 2nd baseman stand.
We decided to do alittle research on the "Fat, but doesn't play fat" 2nd baseman. Among the research, we had to provide video links to a few of his highlighted defensive plays, seen HERE! His 'No Look Flip" is a beauty.
Belliard, was selected in the eighth round of the 1994 June Free Agent Draft and has excelled at every level in the minor leagues. In 1998 with Louisville, he hit .321 with 14 homers and 73 RBI and 32 stolen bases.
"He's got great instincts."
"Nowadays, that doesn't happen a lot. He reads the ball off the bat. He goes first to third on little flares that fall in that a lot of guys hesitate on because they are not sure it's going to fall. He'll make a few mistakes, but he's aggressive making them."
That was an analysis of Belliard in the Minors, and we think it still holds true today.
Brewers manager Phil Garner had this to say on Bellies. "Everybody I've talked to has told me that Ronnie is the kind of player you want on your team," Garner said. "He has a bit of a swagger, but he backs it up. You can tell he is having fun out there."
Yes, we think we see some of that swagger.
Ron is on his last year of a club optioned 4 million dollar payday. With Brandon Phillips continuing his struggles, the choices are bad.
The pitchers are throwing, the players took their physicals yesterday and have begun training camp, and Fantasy Baseball is begining to form its own teams.
And article we did at The Cleveland Sports Zone gives you a great link to a site that explains the new Indians tv deal in greater detail than has been anywhere.
And it isn't going to be liked.
You want to see the Indians play ball on the tube, its going to cost us double, and for 20 less games.
We also added a poll to get opinions there, with commenting welcomed.