The Mount Rushmore of the Cleveland Indians
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As the Cleveland Indians prepare for their first World Series appearance since 1997 and hope to end a 68-year championship drought, it’s a good time to look back on the greatest players in the history of the franchise.
In June, the Cleveland Cavaliers officially broke the Cleveland sports curse by defeating the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. This season, the Cleveland Indians look to do the same.
The Cleveland Indians are one of the oldest active major league teams. Their history goes back all the way to 1894, when they were known as the Grand Rapids Rustlers. After several name changes, the team changed their name to the Cleveland Indians in 1915, which controversially remains their current name. The early success of the team led to their only two championships, which came in 1920 and 1948.
Since their last World Series victory, the Indians have had some moderate success. Overall, the franchise has one Wild Card berth, eight AL Central titles and six AL Pennants. However, their championship drought is the second-longest active drought behind the Chicago Cubs. Like the Cubs, the Indians are always reminded of a “curse,” theirs centering around Rocky Colavito. However, this may also be their year. This season has gone incredibly well for the Tribe, and their World Series hopes are stronger than ever.
The Indians are also looking to dedicate their World Series victory to the former players of the organization. The team is fighting for every Indians player that has lived through this drought. Some of these players are members of the Baseball Hall of Fame, while others are Hall of Fame worthy. No matter the player or staff member, this season may mark the end of the long wait. This season may finally be the one when years of frustration pay off. As we look toward the near future, we also reflect on the past. This group of players paved the way for this Indians team, holding the franchise up during times of failure.
Here is the Mount Rushmore of the Cleveland Indians.
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Bob Feller
We kick this list off with a Hall of Fame pitcher, and whether he was a starter or reliever, Bob Feller certainly had it all. The right-handed Feller was an eight-time All-Star, spending 18 seasons with the Indians. Feller is perhaps one of the greatest pitchers to have never won a Cy Young Award.
Despite this, Feller did win the AL pitcher’s Triple Crown by leading the league in ERA, wins and strikeouts in 1940. Feller was a six-time AL wins leader and a seven-time AL strikeout leader. Feller managed to pitch three no-hitters in his career, and was (at the time) only the third pitcher to pitch three no-nos. He was a first-ballot inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame, ending his career as Cleveland’s all-time leader in most major pitching categories.
Final CLE stats: 266-162/3.25 ERA/2,581 SO/.231 BAA/279 CG
Tris Speaker
While some may argue his best years were with the Boston Red Sox, Tris Speaker was still an iconic Cleveland Indian. Speaker spent 11 of his 21 seasons with Cleveland, and is second on Cleveland’s all-time hits list. Speaker also has the second-highest batting average of any Indian, the highest on-base percentage, and the second-most runs scored.
If you combine his Indians stats with the rest of them, Speaker is undoubtedly one of baseball’s greatest hitters. As an Indian, however, Speaker was a key factor in their first World Series victory in 1920. With Cleveland, Speaker was an AL batting champion and an AL RBI leader. He did it all, earning an induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937.
Final CLE stats: .354 BA/.444 OBP/1,965 H/1,078 R
Larry Doby
Jackie Robinson was the first player in baseball history to break the color barrier. While Robinson became the first black player to appear in a National League game, Larry Doby became the first to appear in an American League game. Doby is sixth on the Indians all-time home run list, and is in the top ten in several offensive categories. Doby was a seven-time All-Star, helping the Indians win their second World Series title in 1948.
The slugger led the AL in home runs twice, and runs batted in once. After a brief stint in Chicago, Doby returned to Cleveland in 1958 and showed glimpses of his former self. With his accomplishments and importance in the game, Doby was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.
Final CLE stats: .286 BA/.389 OBP/215 HR/1,234 R
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Jim Thome
One of baseball’s greatest power hitters was also an Indians all-time great. Jim Thome began his career and spent a majority of it with the Cleveland Indians, making his debut in 1991. Thome has 612 career home runs, hitting 337 with Cleveland. He is the Indians all-time home run leader, as well as their all-time walks leader. Thome is also a recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award, winning it in 2002.
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With Cleveland, Thome is a three-time All-Star, and a former Silver Slugger. His power numbers and his middle-of-the-lineup presence are what put Thome on this list. Thome is the only member of this list who is not a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, but his successes make him a compelling case when he becomes eligible for induction.
Final CLE stats: .287 BA/.414 OBP/337 HR/1,008 BB/937 RBI/928 R
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