cleveland indians history
cleveland indians history
Now here’s a team that should concern White Sox and Twins fans. The Indians stumbled the last weekend of 2005 against the White Sox or things would have been vastly different. After playing lights out the second half, the Tribe spit the bit and rolled over like a submissive Beagle. Nevertheless they won 93 games and there is no doubt they can win as many or more. Manager Eric Wedge’s team has high confidence and a good pitching staff to go with it. Fans are purchasing Cleveland Indians tickets and waiting for good things to happen at Jacob’s Field.
Playing in old Cleveland Municipal Stadium, the Indians “enjoyed” an up and down existence for the better part of the 20th Century. They won World Championships in 1920 and 1948. Great players like Bob Feller, Lou Boudreau and Bob Lemon thrilled the fans. In 1954, another great Indian team won 111 games yet lost four straight to the Giants in the World Series.
Unfortunately, it seems this franchise is more aptly defined by the “Curse of Rocky Colovito” years where everything they tried fizzled and it all started when GM Frank Lane traded Colovito to Detroit for Harvey Kuenn. Kuenn won the batting title in 1959 while Colovito led the league in home runs. Kuenn hit .308 for the Tribe in 1960, then was traded to San Francisco while Colovito enjoyed his career year with the Tigers 1961. Add to this story the trading of future stars like Tommy John, Craig Nettles and Lou Piniella and you can see why Clevelanders felt there was a curse. But along came the 1990’s, Jacobs Field, Albert Belle, etc. and things turned around in a glorious way. Which brings us back to the present club.
This current Indian team has a good pitching staff. C.C. Sabathia will once again anchor the pitching staff, followed by Cliff Lee and Jake Westbrook. Lee was the surprise last year posting an 18-5 record and almost single-handedly helping his club overtake Chicago. Sabathia posted a 15-10 record but Lee was the man. Jake Westbrook was 15-15 and if he breaks out like Jon Garland did for the White Sox, Cleveland may be unbeatable. Paul Byrd comes from the Los Angeles Angels where he was adequate and could help. Bob Wickman will be the closer once again.
The Indians feature a line up that can scare the pajeebers out of most opposing pitchers. Victor Martinez, Grady Sizemore, Travis Hafner and Ronnie Belliard are good with the bat and know how to use it when they get behind in the count. Overconfidence when facing these guys can be fatal. Jason Michaels was acquired from the Phillies for lefty Arthur Rhodes. Michaels replaces Coco Crisp who was dealt to Boston. Michaels will bat second and brings a good approach. Jhonny Peralta with his 24 taters and 19 bobbles will be at shortstop again. The Indians like him, signing him to a 5-year deal over the winter. They won’t be pining for Omar Vizquel around Cleveland anymore.
If you have Cleveland Indians tickets, you should prepare for an exciting season. If you’re stuck in the past, lamenting the loss of Rocky Colovito, shame on you! This team is unlikely to disappoint.
