Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland Guardians
Cleveland Guardians
2024 Cleveland Guardians season
	Established in1894; Based inClevelandsince1900;
Team logo	Cap insignia
Major league affiliations
	American League(1901–present) Central Division(1994–present); East Division(1969–1993); ;
Current uniform
Retired numbers	3; 5; 14; 18; 19; 20; 21; 25; 42; 455;
Colors
	Navy blue, red, white; ;
Name
	Cleveland Guardians (2022–present); Cleveland Indians (1915–2021); Cleveland Naps (1903–1914); Cleveland Bronchos (1902); Cleveland Bluebirds (1901); Cleveland Lake Shores (1900); Grand Rapids Rustlers (1894–1899);
Ballpark
	Progressive Field(1994–present); Cleveland Stadium(1932–1933,1937–1993); League Park(1900–1932,1934–1946); Ramona Park(1894–1899);
Major league titles
World Series titles(2)	1920; 1948;
AL Pennants(6)	1920; 1948; 1954; 1995; 1997; 2016;
AL Central Division titles(11)	1995; 1996; 1997; 1998; 1999; 2001; 2007; 2016; 2017; 2018; 2022;
Wild card berths(2)	2013; 2020;
Front office
Principal owner(s)	Larry Dolan
President	Paul Dolan(Chairman / CEO)
President of baseball operations	Chris Antonetti
General manager	Mike Chernoff
Manager	Stephen Vogt
Website	mlb.com/guardians

TheCleveland Guardiansare an Americanprofessional baseballteam based inCleveland.The Guardians compete inMajor League Baseball(MLB) as a member club of theAmerican League(AL)Central Division.Since1994,the team has played its home games atProgressive Field.Since their establishment as a Major League franchise in 1901, the team has won 11 Central Division titles, sixAmerican League pennants,and twoWorld Serieschampionships (in1920and1948). The team's World Series championship drought since 1948 is thelongest activeamong all 30 current Major League teams.^[1]The team's name references theGuardians of Traffic,eight monolithic 1932Art Decosculptures byHenry Heringon the city'sHope Memorial Bridge,^[2]which is adjacent to Progressive Field.^[3]^[4]The team's mascot is named "Slider".^[5]The team'sspring trainingfacility is atGoodyear BallparkinGoodyear, Arizona.^[6]

The franchise originated in 1894 as theGrand Rapids Rustlers,a minor league team based inGrand Rapids, Michigan,that played in theWestern League.The team relocated to Cleveland in 1900 and was called theCleveland Lake Shores.^[7]The Western League itself was renamed the American League prior to the 1900 season while continuing its minor league status. When the American League declared itself a major league in 1901, Cleveland was one of its eight charter franchises. Originally called theCleveland BluebirdsorBlues,the team was also unofficially called theCleveland Bronchosin 1902. Beginning in 1903, the team was named theCleveland NapoleonsorNaps,after team captainNap Lajoie.

Lajoie left after the1914 seasonand club ownerCharles Somersrequested that baseball writers choose a new name. They chose the nameCleveland Indians.^[8]^[9]That name stuck and remained in use for more than a century. Commonnicknamesfor the Indians were "the Tribe" and "the Wahoos", the latter referencing their longtime logo,Chief Wahoo.After the Indians namecame under criticismas part of theNative American mascot controversy,the team adopted the Guardians name following the2021 season.^[3]^[10]^[11]^[12]^[13]

From August 24 to September 14, 2017, the team won 22 consecutive games, thelongest winning streakin American League history, and the second longest winning streak in Major League Baseball history.

As of the end of the 2023 season, the franchise's overall record is9,760–9,300(.512).^[14]

Early Cleveland baseball teams[edit]

According to one historian of baseball, "In 1857, baseball games were a daily spectacle in Cleveland's Public Squares. City authorities tried to find an ordinance forbidding it, to the joy of the crowd, they were unsuccessful."^[15]

1865–1868 Forest Citys of Cleveland(Amateur)
1869–1872 Forest Citys of Cleveland

From 1865 to 1868 Forest Citys was an amateur ball club. During the1869 season,Cleveland was among several cities that established professional baseball teams following the success of the 1869Cincinnati Red Stockings,the first fully professional team.^[16]^[17]In the newspapers before and after 1870, the team was often called theForest Citys,in the same generic way that the team from Chicago was sometimes called The Chicagos.

In 1871 the Forest Citys joined the newNational Association of Professional Base Ball Players(NA), the first professional league. Ultimately, two of the league's western clubs went out of business during the first season and theChicago Fireleft that city'sWhite Stockingsimpoverished, unable to field a team again until 1874. Cleveland was thus the NA's westernmost outpost in 1872, the year the club folded. Cleveland played its full schedule to July 19 followed by two games versus Boston in mid-August and disbanded at the end of the season.^[18]

1879–1881 Cleveland Forest Citys
1882–1884 Cleveland Blues

In 1876, theNational League(NL) supplanted the NA as the major professional league. Cleveland was not among its charter members, but by 1879 the league was looking for new entries and the city gained an NL team. A new Cleveland Forest Citys were recreated, but by 1882 were known as theCleveland Blues,because the National League required distinct colors for that season. The Blues had mediocre records for six seasons and were ruined by a trade war with theUnion Association(UA) in 1884, when its three best players (Fred Dunlap,Jack Glasscock,andJim McCormick) jumped to the UA after being offered higher salaries. The Cleveland Blues merged with the St. Louis Maroons UA team in 1885.

1887–1899 Cleveland Spiders – nickname "Blues"

Cleveland went without major league baseball for two seasons until gaining a team in theAmerican Association(AA) in 1887. After the AA'sPittsburgh Alleghenysjumped to the NL, Cleveland followed suit in 1889, as the AA began to crumble. The Cleveland ball club, called theSpiders(supposedly inspired by their "skinny and spindly" players), slowly became a power in the league.^[19]In 1891, the Spiders moved intoLeague Park,which would serve as the home of Cleveland professional baseball for the next 55 years. Led by native OhioanCy Young,the Spiders became a contender in the mid-1890s, playing in theTemple CupSeries (that era's World Series) twice and winning it in 1895. The team began to fade after this success, and was dealt a severe blow under the ownership of theRobison brothers.

Prior to the1899season, Frank Robison, the Spiders' owner, bought theSt. Louis Browns,thus owning two clubs at the same time. The Browns were renamed the "Perfectos", and restocked with Cleveland talent. Just weeks before the season opener, most of the better Spiders were transferred to St. Louis, including three future Hall of Famers: Cy Young,Jesse BurkettandBobby Wallace.^[20]The roster maneuvers failed to create a powerhouse Perfectos team, as St. Louis finished fifth in both 1899 and1900.The Spiders were left with essentially a minor league lineup, and began to lose games at a record pace. Drawing almost no fans at home, they ended up playing most of their season on the road, and became known as "The Wanderers".^[21]The team ended the season in 12th place, 84 games out of first place, with an all-time worst record of 20–134 (.130 winning percentage).^[22]Following the 1899 season, the National League disbanded four teams, including the Spiders franchise. The disastrous 1899 season would actually be a step toward a new future for Cleveland fans the next year.

1890, Cleveland Infants – nickname "Babes"

The Cleveland Infants competed in thePlayers' League,which was well-attended in some cities, but club owners lacked the confidence to continue beyond the one season. The Cleveland Infants finished with 55 wins and 75 losses, playing their home games atBrotherhood Park.^[23]

Franchise history[edit]

1894–1935: Beginning to middle[edit]

The origins of the Cleveland Guardians date back to 1894, when the team was founded as theGrand Rapids Rustlers,a team based inGrand Rapids, Michiganand competing in theWestern League.^[7]^[24]^[25]In 1900, the team moved to Cleveland and was named the Cleveland Lake Shores. Around the same timeBan Johnsonchanged the name of his minor league (Western League) to the American League. In 1900 the American League was still considered a minor league. In 1901 the team was called the Cleveland Bluebirds or Blues when the American League broke with the National Agreement and declared itself a competing Major League. The Cleveland franchise was among its eight charter members, and is one of four teams that remain in its original city, along withBoston,Chicago,andDetroit.

The new team was owned by coal magnateCharles Somersand tailor Jack Kilfoyl. Somers, a wealthy industrialist and also co-owner of theBoston Americans,lent money to other team owners, includingConnie Mack'sPhiladelphia Athletics,to keep them and the new league afloat. Players did not think the name "Bluebirds" was suitable for a baseball team.^[26]Writers frequently shortened it to Cleveland Blues due to the players' all-blue uniforms,^[27]but the players did not like this unofficial name either.^[28]The players themselves tried to change the name to Cleveland Bronchos in1902,but this name never caught on.^[26]

Cleveland suffered from financial problems in their first two seasons. This led Somers to seriously consider moving to eitherPittsburghorCincinnati.Relief came in 1902 as a result of the conflict between the National and American Leagues. In 1901,Napoleon "Nap" Lajoie,thePhiladelphia Phillies' star second baseman, jumped to the A's after his contract was capped at $2,400 per year—one of the highest-profile players to jump to the upstart AL. The Phillies subsequently filed an injunction to force Lajoie's return, which was granted by thePennsylvania Supreme Court.The injunction appeared to doom any hopes of an early settlement between the warring leagues. However, a lawyer discovered that the injunction was only enforceable in the state of Pennsylvania.^[26]Mack, partly to thank Somers for his past financial support, agreed to trade Lajoie to the then-moribund Blues, who offered $25,000 salary over three years.^[29]Due to the injunction, however, Lajoie had to sit out any games played against the A's in Philadelphia.^[30]Lajoie arrived in Cleveland on June 4 and was an immediate hit, drawing 10,000 fans to League Park. Soon afterward, he was named team captain, and in 1903 the team was called the Cleveland Napoleons or Naps after a newspaper conducted a write-in contest.^[26]

Lajoie was named manager in1905,and the team's fortunes improved somewhat. They finished half a game short of the pennant in 1908.^[31]However, the success did not last and Lajoie resigned during the 1909 season as manager but remained on as a player.^[32]

After that, the team began to unravel, leading Kilfoyl to sell his share of the team to Somers.Cy Young,who returned to Cleveland in 1909, was ineffective for most of his three remaining years^[33]andAddie Jossdied from tubercular meningitis prior to the 1911 season.^[34]

Despite a strong lineup anchored by the potent Lajoie andShoeless Joe Jackson,poor pitching kept the team below third place for most of the next decade. One reporter referred to the team as the Napkins, "because they fold up so easily". The team hit bottom in 1914 and 1915, finishing last place both years.^[35]^[36]

1915 brought significant changes to the team. Lajoie, nearly 40 years old, was no longer a top hitter in the league, batting only.258 in 1914. With Lajoie engaged in a feud with managerJoe Birmingham,the team sold Lajoie back to the A's.^[37]

With Lajoie gone, the club needed a new name. Somers asked the local baseball writers to come up with a new name, and based on their input, the team was renamed the Cleveland Indians.^[38]The name referred to the nickname "Indians" that was applied to theCleveland Spidersbaseball club during the time whenLouis Sockalexis,aNative American,played in Cleveland (1897–1899).^[39]

At the same time, Somers' business ventures began to fail, leaving him deeply in debt. With the Indians playing poorly, attendance and revenue suffered.^[40]Somers decided to trade Jackson midway through the 1915 season for two players and $31,500, one of the largest sums paid for a player at the time.^[41]

By 1916, Somers was at the end of his tether, and sold the team to a syndicate headed by Chicago railroad contractorJames C. "Jack" Dunn.^[40]Manager Lee Fohl, who had taken over in early 1915, acquired two minor league pitchers,Stan CoveleskiandJim Bagbyand traded for center fielderTris Speaker,who was engaged in a salary dispute with theRed Sox.^[42]All three would ultimately become key players in bringing a championship to Cleveland.

The 1920 Indians, who won the first World Series Championship in team history

Speaker took over the reins asplayer-managerin1919,and led the team to a championship in 1920. On August 16, 1920, the Indians were playing theYankeesat thePolo Groundsin New York. ShortstopRay Chapman,who often crowded the plate, was batting againstCarl Mays,who had an unusual underhand delivery. It was also late in the afternoon and the infield was completely shaded with the center field area (the batters' background) bathed in sunlight. As well, at the time, "part of every pitcher's job was to dirty up a new ball the moment it was thrown onto the field. By turns, they smeared it with dirt, licorice, tobacco juice; it was deliberately scuffed, sandpapered, scarred, cut, even spiked. The result was a misshapen, earth-colored ball that traveled through the air erratically, tended to soften in the later innings, and as it came over the plate, was very hard to see."^[43]

In any case, Chapman did not move reflexively when Mays' pitch came his way. The pitch hit Chapman in the head, fracturing his skull. Chapman died the next day, becoming the only player to sustain a fatal injury from a pitched ball.^[44]The Indians, who at the time were locked in a tight three-way pennant race with the Yankees andWhite Sox,^[45]were not slowed down by the death of their teammate. RookieJoe Sewellhit.329 after replacing Chapman in the lineup.^[46]

In September 1920, theBlack Sox Scandalcame to a boil. With just a few games left in the season, and Cleveland and Chicago neck-and-neck for first place at 94–54 and 95–56 respectively,^[47]^[48]the Chicago owner suspended eight players. The White Sox lost two of three in their final series, while Cleveland won four and lost two in their final two series. Cleveland finished two games ahead of Chicago and three games ahead of the Yankees to win its first pennant, led by Speaker's.388 hitting, Jim Bagby's 30 victories and solid performances fromSteve O'Neilland Stan Coveleski. Cleveland went on to defeat theBrooklyn Robins5–2 in theWorld Seriesfor their first title, winning four games in a row after the Robins took a 2–1 Series lead. The Series included three memorable "firsts", all of them in Game 5 at Cleveland, and all by the home team. In the first inning, right fielderElmer Smithhit the first Series grand slam. In the fourth inning,Jim Bagbyhit the first Series home run by a pitcher. In the top of the fifth inning, second basemanBill Wambsganssexecuted the first (and only, so far) unassisted triple play in World Series history, in fact, the only Series triple play of any kind.

The team would not reach the heights of 1920 again for 28 years. Speaker and Coveleski were aging and the Yankees were rising with a new weapon:Babe Ruthand the home run. They managed two second-place finishes but spent much of the decade in last place. In 1927 Dunn's widow, Mrs. George Pross (Dunn had died in 1922), sold the team to a syndicate headed byAlva Bradley.

1936–1946: Bob Feller enters the show[edit]

The Indians were a middling team by the 1930s, finishing third or fourth most years.1936brought Cleveland a new superstar in 17-year-old pitcherBob Feller,who came fromIowawith a dominatingfastball.That season, Feller set a record with 17 strikeouts in a single game and went on to lead the league in strikeouts from 1938 to 1941.

On August 20, 1938, Indians catchersHank HelfandFrank Pytlakset the "all-time altitude mark" by catching baseballs dropped from the 708-foot (216 m)Terminal Tower.^[49]

By1940,Feller, along withKen Keltner,Mel HarderandLou Boudreau,led the Indians to within one game of the pennant. However, the team was wracked with dissension, with some players (including Feller and Mel Harder) going so far as to request that Bradley fire managerOssie Vitt.Reporters lampooned them as the Cleveland Crybabies.^[50]^{[better source needed]}Feller, who had pitched ano-hitterto open the season and won 27 games, lost the final game of the season to unknown pitcher Floyd Giebell of theDetroit Tigers.TheTigerswon the pennant and Giebell never won another major league game.^[51]

Cleveland entered 1941 with a young team and a new manager;Roger Peckinpaughhad replaced the despised Vitt; but the team regressed, finishing in fourth. Cleveland would soon be depleted of two stars.Hal Troskyretired in 1941 due to migraine headaches^[52]and Bob Feller enlisted in theNavytwo days after theAttack on Pearl Harbor.Starting third basemanKen Keltnerand outfielderRay Mackwere both drafted in 1945 taking two more starters out of the lineup.^[53]

1946–1949: The Bill Veeck years[edit]

In1946,Bill Veeckformed an investment group that purchased the Cleveland Indians from Bradley's group for a reported $1.6 million.^[54]Among the investors wasBob Hope,who had grown up in Cleveland, and former Tigers slugger,Hank Greenberg.^[55] A former owner of a minor league franchise in Milwaukee, Veeck brought to Cleveland a gift for promotion. At one point, Veeck hired rubber-faced^[56]Max Patkin,the "Clown Prince of Baseball" as a coach. Patkin's appearance in the coaching box was the sort of promotional stunt that delighted fans but infuriated the American League front office.

Recognizing that he had acquired a solid team, Veeck soon abandoned the aging, small and lightless League Park to take up full-time residence in massiveCleveland Municipal Stadium.^[57]The Indians had briefly moved from League Park to Municipal Stadium in mid-1932, but moved back to League Park due to complaints about the cavernous environment. From 1937 onward, however, the Indians began playing an increasing number of games at Municipal, until by 1940 they played most of their home slate there.^[58]League Park was mostly demolished in 1951, but has since been rebuilt as a recreational park.^[59]

Making the most of the cavernous stadium, Veeck had a portable center field fence installed, which he could move in or out depending on how the distance favored the Indians against their opponents in a given series. The fence moved as much as 15 feet (5 m) between series opponents. Following the 1947 season, the American League countered with a rule change that fixed the distance of an outfield wall for the duration of a season. The massive stadium did, however, permit the Indians to set the then-record for the largest crowd to see a Major League baseball game. On October 10, 1948, Game 5 of theWorld Seriesagainst theBoston Bravesdrew over 84,000. The record stood until theLos Angeles Dodgersdrew a crowd in excess of 92,500 to watch Game 5 of the1959 World Seriesat theLos Angeles Memorial Coliseumagainst theChicago White Sox.

Under Veeck's leadership, one of Cleveland's most significant achievements was breaking thecolor barrierin theAmerican Leagueby signingLarry Doby,formerly a player for the Negro league'sNewark Eaglesin1947,11 weeks afterJackie Robinsonsigned with theDodgers.^[57]Similar to Robinson, Doby battled racism on and off the field but posted a.301 batting average in 1948, his first full season. A power-hitting center fielder, Doby led the American League twice in homers.

In 1948, needing pitching for the stretch run of the pennant race, Veeck turned to theNegro leaguesagain and signed pitching greatSatchel Paigeamid much controversy.^[57]Barred from Major League Baseball during his prime, Veeck's signing of the aging star in 1948 was viewed by many as another publicity stunt. At an official age of 42, Paige became the oldest rookie in Major League baseball history, and the first black pitcher. Paige ended the year with a 6–1 record with a 2.48 ERA, 45 strikeouts and two shutouts.^[60]

In1948,veterans Boudreau, Keltner, andJoe Gordonhad career offensive seasons, while newcomers Doby andGene Beardenalso had standout seasons. The team went down to the wire with theBoston Red Sox,winning a one-game playoff, the first in American League history, to go to theWorld Series.In the series, the Indians defeated theBoston Bravesfour games to two for their first championship in 28 years. Boudreau won theAmerican League MVP Award.

The Indians appeared in a film the followingyeartitledThe Kid From Cleveland,in which Veeck had an interest.^[57]The film portrayed the team helping out a "troubled teenaged fan"^[61]and featured many members of the Indians organization. However, filming during the season cost the players valuable rest days leading to fatigue towards the end of the season.^[57]That season, Cleveland again contended before falling to third place. On September 23, 1949, Bill Veeck and the Indians buried their 1948 pennant in center field the day after they were mathematically eliminated from the pennant race.^[57]

Later in 1949, Veeck's first wife (who had a half-stake in Veeck's share of the team) divorced him. With most of his money tied up in the Indians, Veeck was forced to sell the team^[62]to a syndicate headed by insurance magnate Ellis Ryan.

1950–1959: Near misses[edit]

In1953,Al Rosenwas an All Star for the second year in a row, was namedThe Sporting NewsMajor League Player of the Year, and won theAmerican League Most Valuable Player Awardin a unanimous vote playing for the Indians after leading the AL in runs, home runs, RBIs (for the second year in a row), and slugging percentage, and coming in second by one point in batting average.^[63]Ryan was forced out in 1953 in favor of Myron Wilson, who in turn gave way to William Daley in1956.Despite this turnover in the ownership, a powerhouse team composed of Feller, Doby,Minnie Miñoso,Luke Easter,Bobby Ávila,Al Rosen,Early Wynn,Bob Lemon,andMike Garciacontinued to contend through the early 1950s. However, Cleveland only won a single pennant in the decade, in 1954, finishing second to theNew York Yankeesfive times.

The winningest season in franchise history came in 1954, when theIndiansfinished the season with a record of 111–43 (.721). That mark set an American League record for wins that stood for 44 years until theYankeeswon 114 games in 1998 (a 162-game regular season). The Indians' 1954 winning percentage of.721 is still an American League record. The Indians returned to theWorld Seriesto face theNew York Giants.The team could not bring home the title, however, ultimately being upset by the Giants in a sweep. The series was notable forWillie Mays'over-the-shoulder catchoff the bat ofVic Wertzin Game 1. Cleveland remained a talented team throughout the remainder of the decade, finishing in second place in 1959,George Strickland's last full year in the majors.

1960–1993: The 33-year slump[edit]

From 1960 to 1993, the Indians managed one third-place finish (in 1968) and six fourth-place finishes (in 1960, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1990, and 1992) but spent the rest of the time at or near the bottom of the standings, including four seasons with over 100 losses (1971, 1985, 1987, 1991).

Frank Lane becomes general manager[edit]

The Indians hired general managerFrank Lane,known as "Trader" Lane, away from theSt. Louis Cardinalsin 1957. Lane over the years had gained a reputation as a GM who loved to make deals. With the White Sox, Lane had made over 100 trades involving over 400 players in seven years.^[64]In a short stint in St. Louis, he traded awayRed SchoendienstandHarvey Haddix.^[64]Lane summed up his philosophy when he said that the only deals he regretted were the ones that he did not make.^[65]

One of Lane's early trades in Cleveland was to sendRoger Maristo theKansas City Athleticsin the middle of 1958. Indians executiveHank Greenbergwas not happy about the trade^[66]and neither was Maris, who said that he could not stand Lane.^[66]After Maris broke Babe Ruth's home run record, Lane defended himself by saying he still would have done the deal because Maris was unknown and he received good ballplayers in exchange.^[66]

After the Maris trade, Lane acquired 25-year-oldNorm Cashfrom the White Sox forMinnie Miñosoand then traded him to Detroit before he ever played a game for the Indians; Cash went on to hit over 350 home runs for the Tigers. The Indians receivedSteve Demeterin the deal, who had only five at-bats for Cleveland.^[67]

Curse of Rocky Colavito[edit]

In 1960, Lane made the trade that would define his tenure in Cleveland when he dealt slugging right fielder and fan favorite^[68]Rocky Colavitoto theDetroit TigersforHarvey Kuennjust before Opening Day in1960.

It was a blockbuster trade that swapped the1959AL home run co-champion (Colavito) for the AL batting champion (Kuenn). After the trade, however, Colavito hit over 30 home runs four times and made three All-Star teams for Detroit and Kansas City before returning to Cleveland in1965.Kuenn, on the other hand, played only one season for the Indians before departing forSan Franciscoin a trade for an agingJohnny AntonelliandWillie Kirkland.Akron Beacon JournalcolumnistTerry Plutodocumented the decades of woe that followed the trade in his bookThe Curse of Rocky Colavito.^[69]Despite being attached to the curse, Colavito said that he never placed a curse on the Indians but that the trade was prompted by a salary dispute with Lane.^[70]

Lane also engineered a unique trade of managers in mid-season 1960, sendingJoe Gordonto the Tigers in exchange forJimmy Dykes.Lane left the team in 1961, but ill-advised trades continued. In 1965, the Indians traded pitcherTommy John,who would go on to win 288 games in his career, and 1966 Rookie of the YearTommy Ageeto the White Sox to get Colavito back.^[70]

However, Indians' pitchers set numerous strikeout records. They led the league in K's every year from 1963 to 1968, and narrowly missed in 1969. The 1964 staff was the first to amass 1,100 strikeouts, and in 1968, they were the first to collect more strikeouts than hits allowed.

Move to the AL East division[edit]

The 1970s were not much better, with the Indians trading away several future stars, includingGraig Nettles,Dennis Eckersley,Buddy Belland 1971 Rookie of the YearChris Chambliss,^[71]for a number of players who made no impact.^[72]

Constant ownership changes did not help the Indians. In 1963, Daley's syndicate sold the team to a group headed by general managerGabe Paul.^[26]Three years later, Paul sold the Indians toVernon Stouffer,^[73]of theStouffer'sfrozen-food empire. Prior to Stouffer's purchase, the team was rumored to be relocated due to poor attendance. Despite the potential for a financially strong owner, Stouffer had some non-baseball related financial setbacks and, consequently, the team was cash-poor. In order to solve some financial problems, Stouffer had made an agreement to play a minimum of 30 home games inNew Orleanswith a view to a possible move there.^[74]After rejecting an offer fromGeorge Steinbrennerand former IndianAl Rosen,Stouffer sold the team in 1972 to a group led byCleveland CavaliersandCleveland BaronsownerNick Mileti.^[74]Steinbrenner went on to buy the New York Yankees in 1973.^[75]

Only five years later, Mileti's group sold the team for $11 million to a syndicate headed by trucking magnate Steve O'Neill and including former general manager and owner Gabe Paul.^[76]O'Neill's death in 1983 led to the team going on the market once more. O'Neill's nephew Patrick O'Neill did not find a buyer until real estate magnatesRichardand David Jacobs purchased the team in 1986.^[77]

The team was unable to move out of last place, with losing seasons between 1969 and 1975. One highlight was the acquisition ofGaylord Perryin1972.The Indians traded fireballer"Sudden Sam" McDowellfor Perry, who became the first Indian pitcher to win theCy Young Award.In1975,Cleveland broke another color barrier with the hiring ofFrank Robinsonas Major League Baseball's first African American manager. Robinson served as player-manager and provided a franchise highlight when he hit a pinch-hit home run on Opening Day. But the high-profile signing ofWayne Garland,a 20-game winner inBaltimore,proved to be a disaster after Garland suffered from shoulder problems and went 28–48 over five years.^[78]The team failed to improve with Robinson as manager and he was fired in1977.In 1977, pitcherDennis Eckersleythrew a no-hitter against theCalifornia Angels.The next season, he was traded to theBoston Red Soxwhere he won 20 games in 1978 and another 17 in 1979.

The 1970s also featured the infamousTen Cent Beer Nightat Cleveland Municipal Stadium. The ill-conceived promotion at a 1974 game against theTexas Rangersended in a riot by fans and a forfeit by the Indians.^[79]

There were more bright spots in the 1980s. In May 1981,Len Barkerthrew aperfect gameagainst theToronto Blue Jays,joining Addie Joss as the only other Indian pitcher to do so.^[80]"Super Joe" Charboneauwon theAmerican League Rookie of the Yearaward. Unfortunately, Charboneau was out of baseball by 1983 after falling victim to back injuries^[81]and Barker, who was also hampered by injuries, never became a consistently dominant starting pitcher.^[80]

Eventually, the Indians traded Barker to theAtlanta BravesforBrett ButlerandBrook Jacoby,^[80]who became mainstays of the team for the remainder of the decade. Butler and Jacoby were joined byJoe Carter,Mel Hall,Julio FrancoandCory Snyder,bringing new hope to fans in the late 1980s.^[82]

Cleveland's struggles over the 30-year span were highlighted in the 1989 filmMajor League,which comically depicted a hapless Cleveland ball club going from worst to first by the end of the film.

Throughout the 1980s, the Indians' owners had pushed for a new stadium. Cleveland Stadium had been a symbol of the Indians' glory years in the 1940s and 1950s.^[83]However, during the lean years even crowds of 40,000 were swallowed up by the cavernous environment. The old stadium was not aging gracefully; chunks of concrete were falling off in sections and the old wooden pilings were petrifying.^[84]In 1984, a proposal for a $150 million domed stadium was defeated in a referendum 2–1.^[85]

Finally, in May 1990,Cuyahoga Countyvoters passed anexcise taxon sales of alcohol and cigarettes in the county. The tax proceeds were to be used for financing the construction of theGateway Sports and Entertainment Complex,which would includeJacobs Fieldfor the Indians andGund Arenafor theCleveland Cavaliersbasketball team.^[86]

The team's fortunes started to turn in1989,ironically with a very unpopular trade. The team sent power-hitting outfielderJoe Carterto theSan Diego Padresfor two unproven players,Sandy Alomar Jr.andCarlos Baerga.Alomar made an immediate impact, not only being elected to theAll-Star teambut also winning Cleveland's fourthRookie of the Yearaward and aGold Glove.Baerga became a three-time All-Star with consistent offensive production.

Indians general managerJohn Hartmade a number of moves that finally brought success to the team. In1991,he hired former IndianMike Hargroveto manage and traded catcherEddie Taubenseeto theHouston Astroswho, with a surplus of outfielders, were willing to part withKenny Lofton.Lofton finished second in AL Rookie of the Year balloting with a.285 average and 66stolen bases.

The Indians were named "Organization of the Year" byBaseball America^[87]in 1992, in response to the appearance of offensive bright spots and an improvingfarm system.

The team suffered a tragedy during spring training of1993,when a boat carrying pitchersSteve Olin,Tim Crews,andBob Ojedacrashed into a pier. Olin and Crews were killed, and Ojeda was seriously injured. (Ojeda missed most of the season, and retired the following year).^[88]

By the end of the 1993 season, the team was in transition, leaving Cleveland Stadium and fielding a talented nucleus of young players. Many of those players came from the Indians' newAAAfarm team, theCharlotte Knights,who won theInternational Leaguetitle that year.

1994–2001: New beginnings[edit]

1994: Jacobs Field opens[edit]

Indians General ManagerJohn Hartand team ownerRichard Jacobsmanaged to turn the team's fortunes around. The Indians openedJacobs Fieldin 1994 with the aim of improving on the prior season's sixth-place finish. The Indians were only one game behind the division-leadingChicago White Soxon August 12 when aplayers strikewiped out the rest of the season.

1995–1996: First AL pennant since 1954[edit]

Having contended for the division in the aborted 1994 season, Cleveland sprinted to a 100–44 record (the season was shortened by 18 games due to player/owner negotiations) in 1995, winning its first-ever divisional title. VeteransDennis Martínez,Orel HershiserandEddie Murraycombined with a young core of players includingOmar Vizquel,Albert Belle,Jim Thome,Manny Ramírez,Kenny LoftonandCharles Nagyto lead the league in team batting average as well as team ERA.

After defeating theBoston Red Soxin theDivision Seriesand theSeattle Marinersin theALCS,Cleveland clinched the American League pennant and aWorld Seriesberth, for the first time since 1954. TheWorld Seriesended in disappointment, however: the Indians fell in six games to theAtlanta Braves.

Tickets for every Indians home game sold out several months before opening day in 1996.^[89]The Indians repeated as AL Central champions but lost to thewild card Baltimore Oriolesin theDivision Series.

1997: Two outs away[edit]

In 1997, Cleveland started slow but finished with an 86–75 record. Taking their third consecutive AL Central title, the Indians defeated theNew York Yankeesin theDivision Series,3–2. After defeating theBaltimore Oriolesin theALCS,Cleveland went on to face theFlorida Marlinsin theWorld Seriesthat featured the coldest game in World Series history. With the series tied after Game 6, the Indians went into the ninth inning of Game Seven with a 2–1 lead, but closerJosé Mesaallowed the Marlins to tie the game. In the eleventh inning,Édgar Renteríadrove in the winning run giving the Marlins their first championship. Cleveland became the first team to lose the World Series after carrying the lead into the ninth inning of the seventh game.

1998–2001[edit]

In1998,the Indians made the postseason for the fourth straight year. After defeating the wild-cardBoston Red Sox3–1 in theDivision Series,Cleveland lost the1998 ALCSin six games to theNew York Yankees,who had come into the postseason with a then-AL record 114 wins in the regular season.^[90]

For the1999 season,Cleveland added relief pitcherRicardo Rincónand second basemanRoberto Alomar,brother of catcher Sandy Alomar Jr.,^[91]and won the Central Division title for the fifth consecutive year. The team scored 1,009 runs, becoming the first (and to date only) team since the 1950 Boston Red Sox to score more than 1,000 runs in a season. This time, Cleveland did not make it past the first round, losing theDivision Seriesto theRed Sox,despite taking a 2–0 lead in the series. In game three, Indians starter Dave Burba went down with an injury in the 4th inning.^[92]Four pitchers, including presumed game four starterJaret Wright,surrendered nine runs in relief. Without a long reliever or emergency starter on the playoff roster, Hargrove started bothBartolo ColónandCharles Nagyin games four and five on only three days rest.^[92]The Indians lost game four 23–7 and game five 12–8.^[93]Four days later, Hargrove was dismissed as manager.^[94]

In 2000, theIndianshad a 44–42 start, but caught fire after the All Star break and went 46–30 the rest of the way to finish 90–72.^[95]The team had one of the league's best offenses that year and a defense that yielded three gold gloves. However, they ended up five games behind theChicago White Soxin the Central division and missed the wild card by one game to theSeattle Mariners.Mid-season trades broughtBob WickmanandJake Westbrookto Cleveland. After the season, free-agent outfielderManny Ramírezdeparted for theBoston Red Sox.

In 2000,Larry Dolanbought the Indians for $320 million from Richard Jacobs, who, along with his late brother David, had paid $45 million for the club in 1986. The sale set a record at the time for the sale of a baseball franchise.^[96]

2001saw a return to the postseason. After the departures of Ramírez andSandy Alomar Jr.,the Indians signedEllis Burksand formerMVP Juan González,who helped the team win the Central division with a 91–71 record. One of the highlights came on August 5, when the Indians completed the biggest comeback in MLB History. Cleveland rallied to close a 14–2 deficit in the seventh inning to defeat theSeattle Mariners15–14 in 11 innings. The Mariners, who won an MLB record-tying 116 games that season, had a strong bullpen, and Indians managerCharlie Manuelhad already pulled many of his starters with the game seemingly out of reach.

Seattle and Cleveland met in thefirst round of the postseason;however, the Mariners won the series 3–2. In the 2001–02 offseason, GM John Hart resigned and his assistant,Mark Shapiro,took the reins.

2002–2010: The Shapiro/Wedge years[edit]

First "rebuilding of the team"[edit]

Shapiro moved to rebuild by dealing aging veterans for younger talent. He tradedRoberto Alomarto theNew York Metsfor a package that included outfielderMatt Lawtonand prospectsAlex EscobarandBilly Traber.When the team fell out of contention in mid-2002,Shapiro fired managerCharlie Manueland traded pitching aceBartolo Colónfor prospectsBrandon Phillips,Cliff Lee,andGrady Sizemore;acquiredTravis Hafnerfrom theRangersforRyan DreseandEinar Díaz;and picked upCoco Crispfrom theSt. Louis Cardinalsfor aging starterChuck Finley.Jim Thomeleft after the season, going to the Phillies for a larger contract.

Young Indians teams finished far out of contention in 2002 and2003under new managerEric Wedge.They posted strong offensive numbers in2004,but continued to struggle with a bullpen that blew more than 20 saves. A highlight of the season was a 22–0 victory over theNew York Yankeeson August 31, one of the worst defeats suffered by the Yankees in team history.^[97]

In early2005,the offense got off to a poor start. After a brief July slump, theIndianscaught fire in August, and cut a 15.5 game deficit in the Central Division down to 1.5 games. However, the season came to an end as the Indians went on to lose six of their last seven games, five of them by one run, missing the playoffs by only two games. Shapiro was namedExecutive of the Yearin 2005.^[98]The next season,the club made several roster changes, while retaining its nucleus of young players. The off-season was highlighted by the acquisition of top prospectAndy Martefrom theBoston Red Sox.The Indians had a solid offensive season, led by career years fromTravis HafnerandGrady Sizemore.Hafner, despite missing the last month of the season, tied the single season grand slam record of six, which was set in1987byDon Mattingly.^[99]Despite the solid offensive performance, the bullpen struggled with 23 blown saves (a Major League worst), and the Indians finished a disappointing fourth.^[100]

In2007,Shapiro signed veteran help for the bullpen and outfield in the offseason. VeteransAaron FultzandJoe BorowskijoinedRafael Betancourtin the Indians bullpen.^[101]The Indians improved significantly over the prior year and went into the All-Star break in second place. The team brought backKenny Loftonfor his third stint with the team in late July.^[102]The Indians finished with a 96–66 record tied with the Red Sox for best in baseball, their seventh Central Division title in 13 years and their first postseason trip since 2001.^[103]

The Indians began their playoff run by defeating theYankeesin theALDSthree games to one. This series will be most remembered for the swarm of bugs that overtook the field in the later innings of Game Two. They also jumped out to a three-games-to-one lead over theRed Soxin theALCS.The season ended in disappointment when Boston swept the final three games to advance to the2007 World Series.^[103]

Despite the loss, Cleveland players took home a number of awards.Grady Sizemore,who had a.995fielding percentageand only two errors in 405 chances, won theGold Glove award,Cleveland's first since 2001.^[104]Indians PitcherCC Sabathiawon the secondCy Young Awardin team history with a 19–7 record, a 3.21 ERA and an MLB-leading 241innings pitched.^[105]Eric Wedge was awarded the firstManager of the Year Awardin team history.^[106]Shapiro was named to his secondExecutive of the Yearin 2007.^[98]

Second "rebuilding of the team"[edit]

TheIndiansstruggled during the 2008 season. Injuries to sluggersTravis HafnerandVictor Martinez,as well as starting pitchersJake WestbrookandFausto Carmonaled to a poor start.^[107]The Indians, falling to last place for a short time in June and July, tradedCC Sabathiato theMilwaukee Brewersfor prospectsMatt LaPorta,Rob Bryson, andMichael Brantley.^[108]and traded starting third baseman Casey Blake for catching prospectCarlos Santana.^[109]PitcherCliff Leewent 22–3 with an ERA of 2.54 and earned the AL Cy Young Award.^[110]Grady Sizemorehad a career year, winning aGold Glove Awardand aSilver Slugger Award,^[111]and the Indians finished with a record of 81–81.

Prospects for the 2009 season dimmed early when theIndiansended May with a record of 22–30. Shapiro made multiple trades:Cliff LeeandBen Franciscoto thePhiladelphia Philliesfor prospectsJason Knapp,Carlos Carrasco,Jason DonaldandLou Marson;Victor Martinezto theBoston Red Soxfor prospectsBryan Price,Nick HagadoneandJustin Masterson;Ryan Garkoto theTexas RangersforScott Barnes;andKelly Shoppachto theTampa Bay RaysforMitch Talbot.The Indians finished the season tied for fourth in their division, with a record of 65–97. The team announced on September 30, 2009, that Eric Wedge and all of the team's coaching staff were released at the end of the 2009 season.^[112]Manny Actawas hired as the team's 40th manager on October 25, 2009.^[113]

On February 18, 2010, it was announced that Shapiro (following the end of the 2010 season) would be promoted to team President, with current PresidentPaul Dolanbecoming the new Chairman/CEO, and longtime Shapiro assistantChris Antonettifilling the GM role.^[114]

2011–present: Antonetti/Chernoff/Francona era[edit]

On January 18, 2011, longtime popular former first baseman and managerMike Hargrovewas brought in as a special adviser. The Indians started the 2011 season strong – going 30–15 in their first 45 games and seven games ahead of theDetroit Tigersfor first place. Injuries led to a slump where the Indians fell out of first place. Many minor leaguers such asJason KipnisandLonnie Chisenhallgot opportunities to fill in for the injuries.^[115]The biggest news of the season came on July 30 when the Indians traded four prospects forColorado Rockiesstar pitcher,Ubaldo Jiménez.The Indians sent their top two pitchers in the minors,Alex WhiteandDrew Pomeranzalong withJoe GardnerandMatt McBride.^[116]On August 25, the Indians signed the team leader in home runs,Jim Thomeoff of waivers.^[117]He made his first appearance in an Indians uniform since he left Cleveland after the 2002 season. To honor Thome, the Indians placed him at his original position, third base, for one pitch against the Minnesota Twins on September 25. It was his first appearance at third base since 1996, and his last for Cleveland.^[118]The Indians finished the season in 2nd place, 15 games behind the division champion Tigers.^[119]

The Indians brokeProgressive Field's Opening Day attendance record with 43,190 against theToronto Blue Jayson April 5, 2012. The game went 16 innings, setting the MLB Opening Day record, and lasted 5 hours and 14 minutes.^[120]

On September 27, 2012, with six games left in the Indians' 2012 season,Manny Actawas fired;Sandy Alomar Jr.was named interim manager for the remainder of the season.^[121]On October 6, the Indians announced thatTerry Francona,who managed the Boston Red Sox to five playoff appearances and two World Series between 2004 and 2011, would take over as manager for 2013.^[122]

The Indians entered the 2013 season following an active offseason of dramatic roster turnover. Key acquisitions included free agent 1B/OFNick Swisherand CFMichael Bourn.^[123]The team added prized right-handed pitching prospectTrevor Bauer,OFDrew Stubbs,and relief pitchersBryan ShawandMatt Albersin a three-way trade with theArizona DiamondbacksandCincinnati Redsthat sent RFShin-Soo Chooto the Reds, andTony Sippto theArizona Diamondbacks^[124]Other notable additions included utility manMike Avilés,catcherYan Gomes,designated hitterJason Giambi,and starting pitcherScott Kazmir.^[123]^[125]The 2013 Indians increased their win total by 24 over 2012 (from 68 to 92), finishing in second place, one game behind Detroit in the Central division, but securing the number one seed in the American League Wild Card Standings. In their first postseason appearance since 2007, Cleveland lost the2013 American League Wild Card Game4–0 at home to Tampa Bay. Francona was recognized for the turnaround with the 2013American League Manager of the YearAward.

With an 85–77 record, the 2014 Indians had consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1999–2001, but they were eliminated from playoff contention during the last week of the season and finished third in the AL Central.

In 2015, after struggling through the first half of the season, the Indians finished 81–80 for their third consecutive winning season, which the team had not done since 1999–2001. For the second straight year, the Tribe finished third in the Central and was eliminated from the Wild Card race during the last week of the season. Following the departure of longtime team executiveMark Shapiroon October 6, the Indians promoted GMChris Antonettito President of Baseball Operations, assistant general managerMike Chernoffto GM, and namedDerek Falveyas assistant GM.^[126]Falvey was later hired by theMinnesota Twinsin 2016, becoming their President of Baseball Operations.

The Indians set what was then a franchise record for longest winning streak when they won their 14th consecutive game, a 2–1 win over theToronto Blue Jaysin 19 innings on July 1, 2016, atRogers Centre.^[127]^[128]The team clinched the Central Division pennant on September 26, their eighth division title overall and first since 2007, as well as returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2013. They finished the regular season at 94–67, marking their fourth straight winning season, a feat not accomplished since the 1990s and early 2000s.

The Indians began the 2016 postseason by sweeping theBoston Red Soxin the best-of-fiveAmerican League Division Series,then defeated the Blue Jays in five games in the2016 American League Championship Seriesto claim their sixth American League pennant and advance to theWorld Seriesagainst theChicago Cubs.It marked the first appearance for the Indians in the World Series since 1997 and first for the Cubs since 1945. The Indians took a 3–1 series lead following a victory in Game 4 atWrigley Field,but the Cubs rallied to take the final three games and won the series 4 games to 3. The Indians' 2016 success led to Francona winning his second AL Manager of the Year Award with the club.

From August 24 through September 15 during the 2017 season, the Indians set a new American League record by winning 22 games in a row.^[129]On September 28, the Indians won their 100th game of the season, marking only the third time in history the team has reached that milestone. They finished the regular season with 102 wins, second-most in team history (behind 1954's 111 win team). The Indians earned the AL Central title for the second consecutive year, along with home-field advantage throughout the American League playoffs, but they lost the2017 ALDSto theYankees3–2 after being up 2–0.^[130]

In 2018, the Indians won their third consecutive AL Central crown with a 91–71 record, but were swept in the2018 American League Division Seriesby theHouston Astros,who outscored Cleveland 21–6. In 2019, despite a two-game improvement, the Indians missed the playoffs as they trailed three games behind theTampa Bay Raysfor the second AL Wild Card berth. During the 2020 season (shortened to 60 games because of theCOVID-19 pandemic), the Indians were 35–25, finishing second behind theMinnesota Twinsin the AL Central, but qualified for the expanded playoffs. In the best-of-threeAL Wild Card Series,the Indians were swept by theNew York Yankees,ending their season.

Guardians rebranding[edit]

On December 18, 2020, the team announced that the Indians name and logo would be dropped after the 2021 season, later revealing the replacement to be the Guardians.^[131]^[12]^[3]^[13]In their first season as the Guardians, the team won the 2022 AL Central Division crown, marking the 11th division title in franchise history. In the best-of-threeAL Wild Card Series,the Guardians won the series against theTampa Bay Rays2–0, to advance to theAL Division Series.The Guardians lost the series to theNew York Yankees3–2, ending their season. In June 2022, sports investorDavid Blitzerbought a 25% stake in the franchise with an option to acquire controlling interest in 2028.^[132]^[133]

Following Francona's retirement at the end of the 2023 season, the Guardians namedStephen Vogtas their new manager on November 6, 2023.

Season-by-season results[edit]

Rivalries[edit]

Interleague[edit]

The rivalry with fellowOhioteam theCincinnati Redsis known as the Battle of Ohio or Buckeye Series and features theOhio Cuptrophy for the winner. Prior to 1997, the winner of the cup was determined by an annualpre-seasonbaseball game, played each year at minor-leagueCooper Stadiumin the state capital ofColumbus,and staged just days before the start of each newMajor League Baseballseason. A total of eight Ohio Cup games were played, with the Guardians winning six of them. It ended with the start ofinterleague playin 1997. The winner of the game each year was awarded the Ohio Cup in postgame ceremonies. The Ohio Cup was a favorite among baseball fans in Columbus, with attendances regularly topping 15,000.

Since 1997, the two teams have played each other as part of the regular season, with the exception of 2002. The Ohio Cup was reintroduced in 2008 and is presented to the team who wins the most games in the series that season. Initially, the teams played one three-game series per season, meeting in Cleveland in 1997 and Cincinnati the following year. The teams have played two series per season against each other since 1999, with the exception of 2002, one at each ballpark. A format change in 2013 made each series two games, except in years when the AL and NL Central divisions meet in interleague play, where it is usually extended to three games per series.^[134]Through the 2020 meetings, the Guardians lead the series 66–51.^[135]

An on-and-off rivalry with thePittsburgh Piratesstems from the close proximity of the two cities, and features some carryover elements from thelongstanding rivalryin theNational Football Leaguebetween theCleveland BrownsandPittsburgh Steelers.Because the Guardians' designated interleague rival is the Reds and the Pirates' designated rival is the Tigers, the teams have played periodically. The teams played one three-game series each year from 1997–2001 and periodically between 2002 and 2022, generally only in years in which the AL Central played the NL Central in the former interleague play rotation. The teams played six games in 2020 as MLB instituted an abbreviated schedule focusing on regional match-ups. Beginning in 2023, the teams will play a three-game series each season as a result of the new "balanced" schedule. The Pirates lead the series 21–18.^[136]

Detroit Tigers[edit]

As the Guardians play most of their games every year with each of their AL Central competitors (formerly 19 for each team until 2023), several rivalries have developed.

The Guardians have a geographic rivalry with theDetroit Tigers,highlighted in past years by intense battles for the AL Central title. The matchup has some carryover elements from theOhio State-Michigan rivalry,as well as the general historic rivalry between Michigan and Ohio dating back to theToledo War.

Chicago White Sox[edit]

TheChicago White Soxare another rival, dating back to the 1959 season, when the Sox slipped past the Indians to win the AL pennant. The rivalry intensified when both clubs were moved to the newly created AL Central in 1994. During that season, the two teams challenged for the division title, with the Indians one game back of Chicago when the season ended in August due to the players' strike. During a game in Chicago, the White Sox confiscatedAlbert Belle'scorked bat,followed by an attempt by Indians pitcherJason Grimsleyto crawl through theComiskey Parkclubhouse ceiling to retrieve it. Belle later signed with the White Sox in 1997, adding additional intensity to the rivalry. In 2005, the White Sox led the division by 15 games in July, only to see the Indians trim the lead to a single game late in the season. However, the White Sox swept a three-game series to end the season to win the division by six games; the Sox later won that year's World Series.

On August 5, 2023, Cleveland third basemanJosé Ramírezand Chicago shortstopTim Andersoninstigated abench-clearing brawlafter Anderson applied a tag to Ramírez. Anderson then attempted to punch Ramírez, after which Ramírez wound up up knocking Anderson to the ground with a right hook. Anderson and Ramírez were suspended five and two games, respectively, for their roles in the brawl.

Uniforms[edit]

The official team colors arenavy blue,red, and white.^[137]^[138]^[139]

Home[edit]

The primary home uniform is white with navy bluepipingaround each sleeve. Across the front of the jersey inscript fontis the word "Guardians" in red with a navy blue outline, with navy blue undershirts, belts, and socks.

The alternate home jersey is red with a navy blue script "Guardians" trimmed in white on the front, and navy blue piping on both sleeves, with navy blue undershirts, belts, and socks.^[140]

In 2024, the team introduced "City Connect" uniforms, primarily (but not exclusively) worn on Friday home dates. The jerseys are blue with red and white stripes going down the sleeve, featuring "CLE" on the front of the jersey and the player names and numbers on the back (all in a whiteart decostyle font), with sandstone colored pants and red socks featuring a logo which was also introduced in 2024 (a "Guardians of Traffic"statue holding a baseball bat).^[141]

The standard home cap is navy blue with a red bill, features a red "diamond C" on the front and is worn with both the primary white and alternate red jerseys. The "City Connect" home cap is similar to the standard cap with the exception of the front section over the bill being white.

Road[edit]

The primary road uniform is gray, with "Cleveland" in navy blue "diamond C" letters, trimmed in red across the front of the jersey, navy blue piping around the sleeves, and navy blue undershirts, belts, and socks.

The alternate road jersey is navy blue with "Cleveland" in red "diamond C" letters trimmed in white on the front of the jersey, and navy blue undershirts, belts, and socks.

The road cap is similar to the home cap, with the difference being the bill is navy blue.

Universal[edit]

For all games, the team uses a navy bluebatting helmetwith a red "diamond C" on the front.^[142]

All jerseys (sans the "City Connect" version) feature the "winged G" logo on one sleeve, and every jersey has a patch fromMarathon Petroleum– in a sponsorship deal lasting through the 2026 season – on the other. The sleeve featuring the Marathon logo depends on how the player bats – left handed hitters have it on their right sleeve, as that is the arm facing the main TV camera when he bats, and vice versa for right handed batters.^[143]

Name and logo controversy[edit]

Logo from 1946 to 1950
Chief Wahoologo used from 1949 through 2018
"Block C" logo used secondarily from 2014 until 2019, then as the team's primary logo from 2019 through 2021 – the final three years under the Indians name

The club name and its cartoon logo have been criticized for perpetuating Native American stereotypes. In 1997 and 1998, protesters were arrested after effigies were burned. Charges were dismissed in the 1997 case, and were not filed in the 1998 case. Protesters arrested in the 1998 incident subsequently fought and lost a lawsuit alleging that theirFirst Amendmentrights had been violated.^[144]^[145]^[146]^[147]

Bud Selig(then-Commissioner of Baseball) said in 2014 that he had never received a complaint about the logo. He has heard that there are some protesting against the mascots, but individual teams such as the Indians andAtlanta Braves,whose name was also criticized for similar reasons, should make their own decisions.^[148]An organized group consisting of Native Americans, which had protested for many years, protestedChief WahooonOpening Day2015, noting that this was the 100th anniversary since the team became the Indians. OwnerPaul Dolan,while stating his respect for the critics, said he mainly heard from fans who wanted to keep Chief Wahoo, and had no plans to change.^[149]

On January 29, 2018, Major League Baseball announced that Chief Wahoo would be removed from the Indians' uniforms as of the 2019 season, stating that the logo was no longer appropriate for on-field use.^[150]^[151]The block "C" was promoted to the primary logo; at the time, there were no plans to change the team's name.^[152]

In 2020,protestsover themurderofGeorge Floyd,a black man, by aMinneapolispolice officer, led the United States into a period of social changes. This made Dolan to reconsider use of the Indians name.^[153]^[154]On July 3, 2020, on the heels of theWashington Redskinsannouncing that they would "undergo a thorough review" of that team's name, the Indians announced that they would "determine the best path forward" regarding the team's name and emphasized the need to "keep improving as an organization on issues ofsocial justice".^[155]

On December 13, 2020, it was reported that the Indians name would be dropped after the 2021 season out of respect for the Native American community.^[156]^[157]Although it had been hinted by the team that they may move forward without a replacement name (in a similar manner to the Washington Football Team, which used its name for 2 years until being named the Washington Commanders).^[156]^[158]I was announced via Twitter on July 23, 2021, that the team will be named the Guardians, after theGuardians of Traffic,eight large Art Deco statues on theHope Memorial Bridge,located close to Progressive Field.^[159]

The club, however, found itself amid a trademark dispute with a men's roller derby team called the Cleveland Guardians.^[160]^[161]^[162]The Cleveland Guardians roller derby team has competed in theMen's Roller Derby Associationsince 2016.^[163]In addition, two other entities have attempted to preempt the team's use of the trademark by filing their own registrations with theU.S. Patent and Trademark Office.^[160]The roller derby team filed a federal lawsuit in theU.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohioon October 27, 2021, seeking to block the baseball team's name change.^[164]^[165]^[166]On November 16, 2021, the lawsuit was resolved, and both teams were allowed to continue using the Guardians name. The name change from Indians to Guardians became official on November 19, 2021.^[167]^[168]^[10]^[11]^[12]^[3]^[13]

Media[edit]

Radio[edit]

iHeart MediaCleveland sister stationsWTAM(1100 AM/106.9 FM) andWMMS(100.7 FM) serve as the flagship stations for theCleveland Guardians Radio Network,^[169]with lead announcerTom HamiltonandJim Rosenhauscalling the games.^[170]

Fellow sister stationWARF(1350 AM) - while primarily an English language station - airs Spanish broadcasts of home games, complimenting the flagship coverage. Rafa Hernández-Brito serves as the primary Spanish announcer, alongside analyst and former IndianCarlos Baerga(Octavio Sequera fills in when Brito callsCleveland CavaliersSpanish radio broadcasts).^[171]

TV[edit]

The television rights are held byBally Sports Great Lakes.Lead announcerMatt Underwood,analyst and former IndiansGold Glove-winning centerfielderRick Manning,and field reporter Andre Knott form the broadcast team, withAl Pawlowskiand former Indians pitcherJensen Lewisserving as pregame and postgame hosts. Former IndiansPat TablerandChris Gimenezserve as contributors and periodic fill-ins for Manning and Lewis.^[170]^[172]Select games are simulcast over-the-air onWKYCchannel 3.^[173]

Past announcers[edit]

Notable former broadcasters include Tom Manning,Jack Graney(the first ex-baseball player to become a play-by-play announcer),Ken Coleman,Joe Castiglione,Van Patrick,Nev Chandler,Bruce Drennan,Jim "Mudcat" Grant,Rocky Colavito,Dan Coughlin,andJim Donovan.

Previous broadcasters who have had lengthy tenures with the team includeJoe Tait(15 seasons between TV and radio),Jack Corrigan(18 seasons on TV),Ford C. Frick AwardwinnerJimmy Dudley(19 seasons on radio),Mike Hegan(23 seasons between TV and radio), andHerb Score(34 seasons between TV and radio).^[174]

Popular culture[edit]

Under the Cleveland Indians name, the team has been featured in several films, including:

The Kid from Cleveland– a 1949 film featuring then-ownerBill Veeckand numerous players from the team (coming off winning the1948 World Series).
Major League– a 1989 film centered around a fictionalized version of the Indians.
Major League II– a 1994 sequel to the 1989 original.

Awards and honors[edit]

Baseball Hall of Famers[edit]

Cleveland Guardians Hall of Famers

Affiliation according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

**Cleveland Naps**
		Elmer Flick*		Addie Joss* Nap Lajoie*		Cy Young

**Cleveland Indians**
Roberto Alomar Earl Averill* Harold Baines Bert Blyleven Lou Boudreau* Steve Carlton Stan Coveleski*		Larry Doby* Dennis Eckersley Billy Evans Bob Feller* Joe Gordon Walter Johnson		Ralph Kiner Bob Lemon* Al López Minnie Miñoso Jack Morris Eddie Murray Hal Newhouser		Phil Niekro Satchel Paige Gaylord Perry Sam Rice Frank Robinson Joe Sewell*		Billy Southworth Tris Speaker* Jim Thome* Hoyt Wilhelm Dick Williams Dave Winfield Early Wynn*

Players and managers listed inboldare depicted on their Hall of Fame plaques wearing a Indians or Naps cap insignia.
* Cleveland Indians listed as primary team according to the Hall of Fame

Ford C. Frick Award recipients[edit]

Cleveland GuardiansFord C. Frick Awardrecipients

Affiliation according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Mel Allen

Joe Castiglione

Jimmy Dudley

Jack Graney

Names in boldreceived the award based primarily on their work as broadcasters for the Indians/Guardians.

Retired numbers[edit]

Earl
Averill
CF
RetiredJune 8, 1975

Lou
Boudreau
SS, Manager
RetiredJuly 9, 1970

Larry
Doby
CF, Coach
RetiredJuly 3, 1994

Mel
Harder
SP, Coach
RetiredJuly 28, 1990

Bob
Feller
SP, Coach
RetiredDecember 27, 1956

Frank
Robinson
OF, Manager
RetiredMay 28, 2017

Bob
Lemon
P, Coach
RetiredJune 20, 1998

Jim
Thome
1B, DH, 3B
RetiredAugust 18, 2018

Jackie
Robinson
All MLB
RetiredApril 15, 1997

The
Fans

RetiredMay 29, 2001

Jackie Robinson's number 42 is retired throughout Major League Baseball.
The number 455 was retired in honor of the Indians fans after the teamsold out 455 consecutive gamesbetween 1995 and 2001, which was an MLB record until it was surpassed by theBoston Red Soxon September 8, 2008.

Guardians Hall of Fame[edit]

Statues[edit]

Numerous Naps/Indians players have had statues made in their honor:

In and around Progressive Field[edit]

Bob Feller(team all-time leader in wins and strikeouts by a pitcher,1948 World SeriesChampion, eight-time All-Star) – since 1994*
Jim Thome(team all-time leader in home runs and walks by a hitter, three-time All-Star with the Indians) – since 2014*
Larry Doby(First black player in the American League,1948 World SeriesChampion, seven-time All-Star) – since 2015*
Frank Robinson(Became first black manager in MLB history when he served as player/manager from 1975 to 1977) – since 2017
Lou Boudreau(1948 AL MVP,1948 World SeriesChampion as player/manager, eight-time All-Star) – since 2017*^[175]

In and around Cleveland[edit]

Hall of Fame outfielderElmer Flickhas a statue in his hometown ofBedford, Ohio,a nearby suburb of Cleveland – since 2013*
Former outfielderLuke Easterhas a statue outside of his namesake park on the east side of Cleveland – since 1980 (when the park was renamed in Easter's honor following his murder)^[176]
Five-time All-Star (with the Indians) outfielderRocky Colavitohas a statue in Cleveland'sLittle Italyneighborhood – since August 10, 2021.^[177]^[178]

(*) – Inducted into theBaseball Hall of Fameas an Indian/Nap.

Murals[edit]

In July 2022 - in honor of the 75th anniversary ofLarry Dobybecoming the AL's first black player - a mural was added to the exterior of Progressive Field, honoring players who were viewed as barrier breakers that played for the Indians/Guardians. The mural features Doby,Frank Robinson,andSatchel Paige.^[179]

Streets[edit]

A portion of Eagle Avenue near Progressive Field was renamed "Larry Doby Way" in 2012^[180]

Parks and fields[edit]

A number of parks and newly built and renovated youth baseball fields in Cleveland have been named after former and current Indians/Guardians players, including:

Luke Easter Park - named for Easter in 1980 following his murder^[181]
Jim Thome All-Star Complex - 2019^[182]
CC Sabathia Field at Luke Easter Park - 2021^[183]
José Ramírez Field - 2023^[184]

Franchise records[edit]

Season records[edit]

Highest batting average:.408,Joe Jackson(1911)
Most games: 163,Leon Wagner(1964)
Most runs: 140,Earl Averill(1930)
Highest slugging %:.714,Albert Belle(1994)
Most doubles: 64,George Burns(1926)
Most triples: 26,Joe Jackson(1912)
Most home runs: 52,Jim Thome(2002)
Most RBIs: 165,Manny Ramirez(1999)
Most stolen bases: 75,Kenny Lofton(1996)
Most wins: 31,Jim Bagby, Sr.(1920)
Lowest ERA: 1.16,Addie Joss(1908)
Strikeouts: 348,Bob Feller(1946)
Complete games: 36,Bob Feller(1946)
Saves: 46,José Mesa(1995)
Longest win streak: 22 games (2017)

Roster[edit]

Active roster

Inactive roster

Coaches/Other

Pitchers
Starting rotation

Bullpen

Closer(s)

48Emmanuel Clase

Catchers

Infielders

Outfielders

Pitchers