Cleveland Indians: Five potential name changes
By David Hill
Cleveland Spiders
Back before the current Cleveland Indians franchise, there were other major league franchises in the city.
One of those, the Cleveland Spiders, existed for 13 years, spending the first two as a part of the American Association before joining the National League. The team had some success, finishing second in the NL three times. They even were a part of the 1892 World Series, falling to the Boston Beaneaters 5-0-1.
The franchise was home to several Hall of Fame players as well. Cy Young had his longest stint with any franchise as part of the Spiders, amassing 240 wins over his nine seasons. The likes of John Clarkson, Jesse Burkett, and Bobby Wallace also called Cleveland home during those days, with the Spiders a stop along their Hall of Fame careers.
However, the Spiders’ name is now synonymous with failure. After the owners of the team also bought the St. Louis Perfectos, they sent all their top talent to St. Louis, leaving the Spiders cupboard bare for 1899. That year, they posted a horrendous 20-134 record, finishing 84 games out of first and drawing just over 6000 fans. The Spiders were contracted following the season, setting the stage for the American league to swoop in.
The Spiders have a proud history, but it is lost to that one year. Maybe it is time for the Cleveland Indians to bring honor to that name once more.