Cleveland Indians Mount Rushmore
By David Hill
Lou Boudreau (1938-1950)
A key part of the Cleveland Indians last championship, 1948 was an incredible year for Lou Boudreau.
Known for his excellent defense, solid bat control, and fearless attitude, Boudreau was the type of leader the Indians needed. That 1948 campaign was his career year, as he put together a .355/.453/.534 batting line with 18 homers and 106 RBI, all of which were career highs. He was named the American League MVP, and as their player/manager, guided the team to a 97-58 record. The Indians won the World Series in six games that year, the last championship in franchise history.
The Indians player/manager from 1942 through 1950, he was far more than that one season. He was an eight time All Star, and won the 1942 batting crown. In his 13 years with the Indians, he finished in the top ten in the MVP vote seven times. Boudreau was also a brilliant defensive shortstop, leading the league in fielding percentage eight times. As a manager, in 1947, he created what would eventually be known as the “Williams Shift” moving his infield around to the left side, setting in motion the defensive shifts of today.
Overall with the Indians, he produced a solid .296/.382/.416 batting line, hitting 367 doubles and 63 homers. Boudreau had an incredible batting eye, and was one of the more difficult players of his era to strike out. In his 6709 plate appearances, he drew 766 walks, but struck out only 297 times. His production, and stature as one of the better players of the 1940s, eventually earned him a place in Cooperstown in 1970.
Lou Boudreau was one of the more important figures in Cleveland Indians history, helping bring the team their last championship. His knowledge of the game, and refusal to back down, were exactly what the Tribe needed.