Despite a history that has been fraught with disappointment, the Cleveland Indians have had quite a few stellar players. Which of those players are on their Mount Rushmore?
When the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs faced off in the 2016 World Series, we knew one streak would come to an end. The two teams that had gone the longest in MLB without a World Series championship were facing off, the Curse of the Billy Goat and the Curse of Rocky Colavito going head to head. It took seven games, and extra innings, and the world as we know it coming to an end. Amazingly, this was predicted by one baseball fan back in 2014.
2016 World Series.
Cubs vs Indians
And then the world will end with the score tied in game seven in extra innings #apocalypse
The Cubs eventually walked away with the title, leaving the Indians still without a championship since 1948. This continued a history of disappointment for Cleveland, which, despite some talented teams, have struggled to reach the postseason. From 1901 through 1994, they only had three playoff appearances, despite some incredibly talented rosters.
Even in their Golden Era, the disappointment remained. From 1995 though 2001, they made the playoffs six times, and reached the World Series twice. And yet, they still could not get over the hump, as Colavito’s curse lives on. Perhaps one day, and maybe even in the near future, that will change.
Through that disappointment, there have been a number of great players on the Cleveland Indians. Which of those players comprise their Mount Rushmore?
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.
As brilliant as Bob Feller’s career was, one has to imagine what his numbers would have looked like without World War Two.
Before World War Two, Feller had led the American League in wins for three consecutive years, and strikeouts in four consecutive seasons. He finished in the top three in the MVP vote three times, and appeared well on his way to being one of the best pitchers the game had ever seen. Instead, he lost nearly four full seasons while serving, as he was the first player to enlist after Pearl Harbor was bombed. Feller would go on to earn five campaign ribbons and eight battle stars in his tour of duty in the Pacific.
Back home after the war ended, Feller barely missed a beat. He continued to dominate, leading the league in wins and strikeouts three more times. He was an eight time All Star, and threw three no hitters during his career, one of which was the only no hitter thrown on Opening Day. Feller was also the first president of the MLBPA, and after his career, spent over 40 years with the Indians public relations department.
Looking at Feller’s career marks makes one wonder what could have been. He posted a 266-162 record, along with a 3.25 ERA and a 1.316 WHiP. His high octane fastball, and bouts of wildness, made him an intimidating presence on the mound, even when he began to lose his effectiveness. In his 3827 innings, he struck out 2581 batters while issuing 1764 walks.
“Rapid Robert,” as he was called, was an incredible pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. One still has to wonder what his career could have been like if he did not miss that time during his prime.
The acquisition of Tris Speaker was one of the greatest trades in Cleveland Indians history.
Sent to Cleveland by the Boston Red Sox after a salary dispute, where ownership wanted to cut his pay because he hit “only .322” in 1915, Speaker came back with a vengeance in 1916. The former MVP posted a .386/.470/.502 batting line, with 211 hits and 41 doubles, leading the league in each category. He continued his torrid run during the majority of his time in Cleveland, proving that he was worth every cent he earned.
Overall, during his 11 years in Cleveland, Speaker put together an incredible .354/.444/.520 batting line, hitting 486 doubles and 108 triples. His excellent speed also manifested on the basepaths, as he stole 155 bases. Speaker was also considered the premier center fielder of his time defensively, and he is still the all time leader in assists and double plays in center.
Speaker also made a mark as a manager. He was the Indians player/manager in 1920 when the team won their first World Series title. Speaker was the first manager to use a platoon system, helping pave the way for the modern game. However, his time in Cleveland came to an end amongst controversy, as he and Ty Cobb were both accused of throwing games. While the charges were never substantiated, he was forced to leave the Indians in 1926, signing with the Senators, and ending his career with the Athletics in 1928.
Tris Speaker was one of the greatest players in baseball history, an inner circle Hall of Famer. His time with the Cleveland Indians was a success for both the player and the franchise.
He had belonged to the Philadelphia Phillies before jumping leagues, signing with the Philadelphia Athletics. The Phillies then received an injunction banning him from playing for another team in Philadelphia, effective Opening Day in 1902. Determined to keep the star in the fledgling American League, Lajoie was traded to Cleveland, where he could continue to play.
His greatness was such that the Bronchos, as the Indians were called, changed their nap to honor the second baseman. The team was called the Naps during his final 12 years in Cleveland, a fitting honor for one of the top players of his time.
Cleveland did not make the postseason during his time with the team, finishing a half game out in 1908. However, that was not due toLajoie’s performance. He continued to be a major star, producing a .339/.389/.452 batting line. He hit 424 doubles and 78 triples, placing himself amongst the better power hitters of his day. Despite not being particularly fast, he was a smart base runner, and managed to steal 240 bases.
