What’s new with the Cleveland Indians? That’s what this page is all about.
The Team Spirit Extra Innings website begins where the Team Spirit books end.
That’s because baseball never stands still … And I can never squeeze everything I want into 48 pages!
Take a look at some of the Indians collectibles I have in my home.
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Updates
2021 Season
Season Recap: The big news in Cleveland during 2021 was the changing of the team’s name from Indians to Guardians beginning in 2022. Despite some quality players, the club fell out of the playoff race in June and lost a lot of close games in the second half. Jose Ramirez had a super season at the plate, leading the Tribe in runs, homers, stolen bases, and RBIs. Shane Beiber followed his great 2020 season with a so-so 2021 after missing time to injury, but Cal Quantrill, Zach Plesac, and Aaron Civale picked up some of the slack in the starting rotation.
September 02, 2021: Emmanuel Clase was named AL Reliever of the Month for August after going a perfect 6-for-6 in save chances.
July 23, 2021: The Cleveland Indians, who have played under than name for more than a century, announced that they were officially changing their name to Guardians when they take the field in 2022.
May 19, 2021: Corey Kluber no-hit the Rangers, 2–0. One day earlier, the Tigers no-hit the Mariners. It was the first time in 52 years that there were no-hitters two days in a row.
April 18, 2021: Shane Beiber became the first player in 128 years to strike out 10 or more batters in each of the season’s first four starts.
Season Preview: The Indians keep pumping out good pitchers and, in 2021, there is no reason to believe this won’t continue. Two talented Rosarios—Eddie and Amed—step into a batting order that could use their help with the trade of Francisco Lindor to the Mets. Jose Ramirez and Franmil Reyes need to keep popping home runs to give the Tribe a shot at a playoff spot.
2020 Season
November 12, 2020: Shane Bieber won the American League Cy Young Award. He received 30 out of 30 first-place votes.
Season Recap: The Indians had the best pitcher in baseball, Shane Bieber, and one of the game’s best clutch hitters, Jose Ramirez. The two superstars powered Cleveland to a 35–25 record, but the team could not overcome the hot hitting of the Yankees in the playoffs. They were eliminated in the longest nine-inning game is history, which lasted 4 hours, 50 minutes.
July 30, 2020: Shane Bieber set an American League record by striking out 27 batters in his first two starts of the season.
Season Preview: Infielders Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez, and outfielder Franmil Reyes, lead a team expected to go deep into the playoffs. Although there is plenty of power in the batting order, the Indians will likely advance as far as their pitching takes them. Shane Bieber and Brad Hand lead a staff with good talent but with many questions that must be answered in a short 60-game season.
2019 Season
Season Preview: It has been a long time since the Indians remade their roster, and just three years since they came within a game of winning the World Series. In 2019, Cleveland fans will see a number of new faces in familiar places, but their superstar core of Corey Kluber, Brad Hand, Francisco Lindor, and Jose Ramirez is still there—and they gives the team enough of an edge to be the favorites in the AL Central.
2018 Season
Season Recap: The Indians won the AL Central with ease but ran into the red-hot Houston Astros in the playoffs, losing the ALDS in three straight. Infielders Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez had career years at the plate, becoming the first teammates to have 90-plus extra-base hits since Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, in 1927. Corey Kluber won 20 games for the first time in his career, and was one of four Indians to strike out more than 200 batters—the first time in history a team accomplished this feat.
May 3, 2018: Rajai Davis became the 75th player in history to steal 400 bases.
Season Preview: Many experts picked the Indians to win he pennant last year. Many of those experts are making the same prediction in 2018. Cleveland goes into battle with the same solid lineup, led by Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor, and a pitching staff headed by Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco. The secret to the Tribe’s success is that every player on the roster can beat you—and often they do.
2017 Season
Season Recap: The Indians had their best regular season on more than 60 years, winning 102 games. Corey Kluber led a pitching staff that had the best ERA and the most strikeouts in the AL, while Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez powered an offense that could score runs in many different ways. Cleveland fans expected their team to return to the World Series, but the surprising Yankees defeated them 3 games to 2 in the Division Series.
September 14, 2017: The Indians defeated the Royals in extra innings to set a new AL record with 22 wins in a row
June 15, 2017: Corey Kluber became the fastest Indian to reach 1,000 strikeouts. He fanned #1,000 in his 148th game. The old record belonged to Hall of Famer Bob Feller (167 games).
2016 Season
November 1, 2016: The Indians put together one of baseball’s most consistent and balanced lineups in 2016, and the result was the team’s first pennant since the 1990s. Cleveland seemed to have a different hero every day. Corey Kluber bounced back after a poor 2015, and young stars Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Tyler Naquin and Trevor Bauer played well under pressure. The Indians looked like champs after building a 3–1 lead against the Cubs in the World Series, but ran out of gas and lost in seven games.
August 1, 2016: Outfielder Tyler Naquin was named AL Rookie of the Month for the second month in a row.
2015 Season
October 6, 2015: After a promising 2015, the Indians never rose above 3rd place in 2015. Infielders Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor had excellent seasons, while outfielder Michael Brantley tied for the AL lead with 45 doubles. Cy Young Award winner Korey Kluber went from leading the league in wins to leading the league in losses.
April 5, 2015: Cleveland’s pitching was great toward the end of 2014. The Indians need to keep it going in 2015. Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, and Corey Kluber give the club three talented starters. The team also needs a couple of hitters to have the kind of breakout years that Michael Brantley had last season.
2014 Season
November 15, 2014: Korey Kluber edged Felix Hernandez for the AL Cy Young Award. He is the fourth Cleveland pitcher to win the award. The first three were Gaylord Perry (1972), CC Sabathia (2007) & Cliff Lee (2008).
November 1, 2014: The Indians had a good year, but never strung together enough wins to grab first place in the AL Central. Cleveland got great years out of pitcher Corey Kluber, catcher Yan Gomes, and outfielder Michael Brantley—three young leaders who can push the team back into the playoff picture in the years to come.
September 26, 2014: Corey Kluber struck out 11 Tampa Bay Rays to help the Indians set a new record with 1,431 strikeouts in a season. Kluber tied for the league lead with 18 wins.
July 30, 2014: Corey Kluber faced just 28 batters in a win against the Mariners. Six days earlier, he faced only 28 batters in a victory over the Royals. Kluber was the first pitcher ever to face 28 batters in back-to-back nine-inning games.
July 27, 2014: Danny Salazar fanned Nori Aoki of the Royals to record the two millionth strikeout in major league history.
March 31, 2014: The Indians were one of the best stories in baseball in 2013. Much will depend on their three young hitting stars—Michael Brantley, Carlos Santana and Jason Kipnis—and new closer John Axford. The team’s pitching was very good last year thanks to starters Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir, but Kazmir is now in Oakland and Jimenez is now an Oriole. If flamethrower Danny Salazar steps up in 2014 to join ace Justin Masterson, it could still be a very interesting season in Cleveland.
2013 Season
October 1, 2013: Cleveland was one of baseball’s brightest surprises in 2013. New manager Terry Francona made his players believe they could win any game, and the Indians went on to log 92 victories. The team’s bright spots included second baseman Jason Kipnis and catcher Carlos Santana, along with pitchers Justin Masterson, and Ubaldo Jimenez. The Indians earned a Wild Card berth, but fell 4–0 to Tampa Bay in the playoff game.
March 30, 2013: Cleveland fans know they must be patient as the team rebuilds, but there is hope for a winning season in 2013. New manager Terry Francona leads a young team that has added veteran newcomers Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher into battle. But success now and in the future will probably depend on the improvement of Carlos Santana, Jason Kipnis, Justin Masterson, and Lonnie Chisenhall.
2012 Season
October 3, 2012: The Indians fell short of their goals in 2012, mainly because of the struggles of their starting pitchers. Big things were expected of Ubaldo Jimenez, Justin Masterson, and Josh Tomlin, but they won only 25 games with an ERA well over 5.00. The bright spots for the tribe were second baseman Jason Kipnis—who became a star in his first full year with Cleveland— and Shin-Choo Soo, who is now one of the top right fielders in baseball.
April, 2012: With the addition of veteran Derek Lowe, the Indians have a pretty good pitching staff in 2012. But a lot will depend on their young hitters, including Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenall.
More Go-To Guys
Addie Joss — Pitcher
Born: 4/12/1880
Died: 4/14/1911
Played for Team: 1902 to 1910
Addie Joss started what he finished. He threw complete games in 90 percent of his starts. Cleveland fans were shocked when Joss fell ill and died in the spring of 1911. He ended his career with a 1.89 ERA—the second-lowest in history to Ed Walsh of the Chicago White Sox.Joe Jackson — Outfielder
Born: 7/16/1887
Died: 12/5/1951
Played for Team: 1910 to 1915
Joe Jackson called his bat “Black Betsy.” Opponents called it a lot of other things. Jackson set a record that still stands when he batted .408 as a Cleveland rookie. He led the league in hits the next two years and batted .375 overall during his six seasons with the Indians.Tris Speaker — Outfielder
Born 4/4/1888
Died: 12/8/1958
Played for Team: 1916 to 1926
Tris Speaker was the highest-paid player in baseball when he played for the Indians. He batted over .350 in all but one of his seasons in Cleveland and led the team to victory in the 1920 World Series as a player-manager.Earl Averill — Outfielder
Born: 5/21/1902
Died: 8/16/1983
Played for Team: 1929 to 1939
Few players hit the ball harder or farther than Earl Averill. He topped 30 homers for the Indians three times and knocked in 100 runs five times. Averill led the AL with 232 hits in 1936 and played in each of baseball’s first six All-Star Games.Early Wynn — Pitcher
Born: 1/6/1920
Died: 4/4/1999
Played for Team: 1949 to 1957 & 1963
Early Wynn had a good fastball and little else when he joined the Indians in 1949. Pitching coach Mel Harder taught him how to master the curveball and change-up, and Wynn blossomed into a star. He was a 20-game winner four times for Cleveland.Rocky Colavito — Outfielder
Born: 8/10/1933
Played for Team: 1955 to1959 & 1965 to 1967
Rocky Colavito had one of the strongest arms of any outfielder in baseball, but it was his bat that more often brought fans to their feet. He was the first Indian to top 40 homers twice, and in 1959 he belted four in one game against the Baltimore Orioles. Cleveland fans were sad when he was traded away the following season, but Colavito returned to the team in 1965 and led the league in RBIs.Sam McDowell — Pitcher
Born: 9/21/1942
Played for Team: 1961 to 1971
The ball arrived at home plate so quickly when Sam McDowell threw it that he was nicknamed “Sudden Sam.” He led the AL in strikeouts five times, including 325 in 1965. In four All-Star appearances, McDowell struck out 12 of baseball’s best batters in just 8 innings.Andre Thornton — First baseman/Designated Hitter
Born: 8/13/1949
Played for Team: 1977 to 1987
Andre Thornton was the best player on a poor Indians ball cub in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was one of baseball’s finest power hitters, yet he rarely swung at a bad pitch. Thornton had three 30-homer seasons for the Indians and finished his career in Cleveland with 685 walks and only 683 strikeouts.Joe Carter — Outfielder
Born: 3/7/1960
Played for Team 1984 to 1989
Joe Carter was a complete hitter. He hit for power and average, and was at his best with runners on base. Carter also was an excellent baserunner. He led the league in RBIs in 1986.Kenny Lofton — Outfielder
Born: 5/31/1967
Played for Team: 1992 to 1996, 1998 to 2001, & 2007
When the Indians got Kenny Lofton from the Houston Astros, it turned out to be one of the great trades in team history. Lofton went on to lead the AL in stolen bases five years in a row. He was an All-Star six times for the Indians and was among the AL’s Top 5 hitters in 1993 and 1994.Victor Martinez— Catcher
Born: 12/23/1978
Played for Team: 2002 to 2009
Victor Martinez was one of baseball’s premier slugging catchers with the Indians. He set new standards for Cleveland catchers with 25 home runs and 114 RBIs in 2007. In a 2004 game, Martinez had three homers, two singles and a walk.Grady Sizemore — Outfielder
Born: 8/2/1982
Played for Team: 2004 to 2012
The Indians traded one of their best players to get Grady Sizemore. They wanted someone who could win games in many different ways, and they were not disappointed. Sizemore had four seasons in a row of 20 homers and 20 steals beginning in 2005. He led the AL in runs and doubles in 2006 and won Gold Gloves for his defense in 2007 and 2008.Shane Bieber — Pitcher
Born: 5/31/1995
First Season with Team: 2018
Shane Bieber won the Cy Young Award during the shortened 2020 season. He led the AL in wins, strikeouts, and ERA that year.
More Fun Facts
FIFTH INFIELDER
Tris Speaker was famous for playing very shallow in center field. In 1918, he made two unassisted double plays for the Indians, rushing in to snag line drives and then touching second base before the runner could get back. Speaker also covered second base on bunts.MY NAME IS EARL
Earl Averill was the first Indian to hit a homer in his first big-league at bat. He was also the first major leaguer to hit four home runs in a doubleheader.ALMOST PERFECT
Johnny Allen’s record stood at 15–0 on the final day of the 1937 season. He pitched and lost to finish the year at 15–1.START TALKING
When Jack Graney retired from the Indians as a player in 1922, he began announcing their games on radio. Graney was the first person in sports to go from the playing field to the broadcast booth.WYNN–WIN SITUATION
After Early Wynn retired form the Indians as a player, he joined the team as a coach. He taught Sam McDowell, Luis Tiant, Sonny Siebert, and Steve Hargan what he had learned, and in 1967 Cleveland set a new record with 1,189 strikeouts.THE RIGHT STUFF
In 1965, Rocky Colavito played the entire year in right field without making a single bad play. He became the first AL outfielder ever to record an errorless season.STANDING ROOM ONLY
From 1995 to 2001, the Indians sold out 455 games in a row. No team had ever done that before.
League Leaders
Home Runs
1950 — Al Rosen — 37
1952 — Larry Doby — 32
1953 — Al Rosen — 43
1954 — Larry Doby — 32
1959 — Rocky Colavito — 42
1995 — Albert Belle — 50Batting Average
1903 — Napoleon Lajoie — .344
1904 — Napoleon Lajoie — .376
1905 — Elmer Flick — .308
1910 — Napoleon Lajoie — .384
1916 — Tris Speaker — .386
1929 — Lew Fonseca — .369
1944 — Lou Boudreau — .327
1954 — Bobby Avila — .341Runs Batted In
1904 — Napoleon Lajoie — 102
1936 — Hal Trosky — 162
1952 — Al Rosen — 105
1953 — Al Rosen — 145
1954 — Larry Doby — 126
1965 — Rocky Colavito — 108
1986 — Joe Carter — 121
1993 — Albert Belle — 129
1995 — Albert Belle — 126
1996 — Albert Belle — 148
1999 — Manny Ramirez — 165Stolen Bases
1903 — Harry Bay — 45
1904 — Harry Bay & Elmer Flick — 38
1906 — Elmer Flick — 39
1946 — George Case — 28
1992 — Kenny Lofton — 66
1993 — Kenny Lofton — 70
1994 — Kenny Lofton — 60
1995 — Kenny Lofton — 54
1996 — Kenny Lofton — 75
2016 — Rajai Davis — 43Wins
1907 — Addie Joss — 27
1920 — Jim Bagby — 31
1923 — George Uhle — 26
1926 — George Uhle — 27
1939 — Bob Feller — 24
1940 — Bob Feller — 27
1941 — Bob Feller — 25
1946 — Bob Feller — 26
1947 — Bob Feller — 20
1950 — Bob Lemon — 23
1951 — Bob Feller — 22
1954 — Bob Lemon & Early Wynn — 23
1955 — Bob Lemon — 18
1960 — Jim Perry — 18
1972 — Gaylord Perry — 24
2008 — Cliff Lee — 22
2014 — Corey Kluber — 18*
2017 — Corey Kluber — 18*
2017 — Carlos Carrasco — 18*
2020 — Shane Bieber — 8• Tied with two other players
Strikeouts
1920 — Stan Coveleski — 133
1938 — Bob Feller — 240
1939 — Bob Feller — 246
1940 — Bob Feller — 261
1941 — Bob Feller — 260
1943 — Allie Reynolds — 151
1946 — Bob Feller — 348
1947 — Bob Feller — 196
1948 — Bob Feller — 164
1950 — Bob Lemon — 170
1955 — Herb Score — 245
1956 — Herb Score — 263
1957 — Early Wynn — 184
1965 — Sam McDowell — 325
1966 — Sam McDowell — 225
1968 — Sam McDowell — 283
1969 — Sam McDowell — 279
1970 — Sam McDowell — 304
1980 — Len Barker — 187
1981 — Len Barker — 127*
2020 — Shane Bieber — 122* The 1981 season was shortened by a labor dispute.
Earned Run Average
1903 — Earl Moore — 1.74
1904 — Addie Joss — 1.59
1908 — Addie Joss — 1.16
1911 — Vean Gregg — 1.80
1923 — Stan Coveleski — 2.76
1933 — Mel Harder — 2.95
1940 — Bob Feller — 2.61
1948 — Gene Bearden — 2.43
1949 — Mike Garcia — 2.36
1950 — Early Wynn — 3.20
1954 — Mike Garcia — 2.64
1965 — Sam McDowell — 2.18
1968 — Luis Tiant — 1.60
1982 — Rick Sutcliffe — 2.96
2005 — Kevin Millwood — 2.86
2008 — Cliff Lee — 2.54
2017 — Corey Kluber — 2.38
2020 — Shane Bieber — 1.63
Indians In The World Series
| YEAR | OPPONENT | RESULT |
|---|---|---|
| 1920 | Brooklyn Robins | Won 5–2 |
| 1948 | Boston Braves | Won 4–2 |
| 1954 | New York Giants | Lost 4–0 |
| 1995 | Atlanta Braves | Lost 4–2 |
| 1997 | Florida Marlins | Lost 4–3 |
The Cleveland Spiders
This is a reprint of a team picture of the 1891 Cleveland Spiders. I wonder what would happen if you named a pro team “Spiders” today. Would the mascot have eight legs? (Author’s Collection)
The Indians were Cleveland’s second big-league team. The first club played in the National League and was called the Spiders. During the 1890s, the Spiders were the roughest, rowdiest team in baseball. They were also one of the best, thanks to pitcher Cy Young. In nine years with the Spiders (1890 to 1898), Young won 241 games. The Spiders won the NL pennant in 1893, 1894, and 1897. Their top players included Ed McKean, Cupid Childs, Patsy Tebeau, and Jesse Burkett.
In 1899, the owners of the Spiders bought the St. Louis club that also played in the NL. They transferred their best players to that team, leaving the Spiders with almost no chance of winning. The Spiders lost 134 games and did not field a team in 1900. One year later, the American League moved into Cleveland—and the Indians have been there ever since.