Joe Charboneau burst upon the scene like a comet in his rookie season. On this day in 1980, the Cleveland Indians colorful outfielder was named the American League Rookie of the Year.
The Cleveland Indians were looking for any reason to drum up excitement in the late 1970’s and throughout the 1980’s. A team that typically found itself at the bottom of the league, fans were hoping for any sign that the Indians’ fortunes would turn around soon. In 1980, it seemed as though they had found the player that could lead them back to prominence in Joe Charboneau.
A quirky player who became known for such skills as being about to open a beer bottle with his eye socket and dying his hair different colors, Charboneau quickly became a fan favorite. Given the chance to start due to an injury to Andre Thornton, Charboneau took full advantage, hitting a home run on Opening Day. He continued to hit throughout the season, posting a .289/.358/.488 batting line, hitting 23 home runs.
That production led Charboneau to being named as the American League Rookie of the Year on this day in 1980. He appeared to have a bright future ahead of himself, and became a fan favorite. He was even the subject of a song called “Go Joe Charboneau,” which reached the third spot in the local Cleveland charts.
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Just as it seemed as though the Indians had a true building block, it all came apart. Charboneau injured his back with a head first slide in Spring Training the following year. His back gave him trouble all season, and when the 1981 strike ended, he was sent to AAA, making him the first Rookie of the Year to be sent back down the following year.
His back continued to give him problems. He underwent surgery that offseason, but he was no longer effective as a player. He hit at a .214/.286/.393 clip with five extra base hits in 63 plate appearances. He was sent back to AAA, and after struggling there, was sent to AA, where he had dominated. However, his former ability was behind him, and Charboneau struggled in Chattanooga as well.
Charboneau would never return to the Majors. He spent the next two years in the minors, where his back injuries had sapped his once immense talent. Not even four years after he had been named Rookie of the Year, and appeared to be a building block for the Cleveland Indians, Charboneau retired, no longer able to play at his accustomed high level.
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The Cleveland Indians appeared to have a star in the making with Joe Charboneau. Unfortunately, a back injury ruined his career just as it was getting started.