Satchel Paige

Joe Glasgow is a former senior staff writer at Fanstop.com, and is the author of the book Play Ball! Growing Up With Baseball https://amzn.to/2o4M62h

MLB Unusual Walk Offs

Joe Glasgow is a former senior staff writer at Fanstop.com, and is the author of the book Play Ball! Growing Up With Baseball https://amzn.to/2o4M62h

Stormin' Gorman Thomas

Gorman Thomas was one of the most popular players in Milwaukee Brewers history. He hit 268 home runs with 782 RBI. His career battling was .225/.324/.448.

Thomas was a solid defender in centerfield until injuring his shoulder near the end of his career. He was part of the Brewers only World Series team. The 1982 Brewers were a hard hitting club that won the American League Pennant. Managed by Harvey Kuehn and were called Harvey’s Wallbangers.

Thomas would have his best season in 1979. He would hit 45 home runs and drive in 123 runs. He led the league in home runs, and would lead the league again in 1982 with 39. Five times in his career he hit 30 plus home runs in a season. He was also known for striking out, but remained popular with the Brewer faithful.

One season after going the World Series the Brewers dealt the popular outfielder to the Cleveland Indians in June of 1983. He would play for the Seattle Mariners from 1984-986, and finished the balance of the 1986 back with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Joe Glasgow is a former senior staff writer at Fanstop.com, and is the author of the book Play Ball! Growing Up With Baseball https://amzn.to/2o4M62h

Joe Adcock: Milwaukee Brave

Joe Adcock broke into the major leagues with the Cincinnati Reds in 1950, but was stuck behind first baseman Ted Kluszewski. Adcock requested a trade, and was sent packing to the Braves.

The hard hitting first baseman would play in the long shadows of Eddie Matthews and Hank Aaron. The trio home run hitters made the Braves middle of the order one the most formidable in all of baseball. The Braves would win the 1957 World Series.

Adcock would hit 336 home runs with 1,122 RBI, and a batting line of .277/.33/.485. He was a two time all-star, and on July 31, 1954, he would slam four home runs in a game against the Brooklyn Dodgers.

At the end of this career he would spend time with the Angels and Indians. It included managing the Indians during the 1967 season to a 75-87 record. His .994 fielding percentage was 3^rd best all-time when he called it a career.

Joe Glasgow is a former senior staff writer at Fanstop.com, and is the author of the book Play Ball! Growing Up With Baseball https://amzn.to/2o4M62h

Al Rosen and the Cleveland Indians

Don Drewniak was born and raised in Fall River, Massachusetts. In addition to having taught public school science and math for thirty years, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He co-authored The Junk Picker (a Great Depression memoir) with his father, Jan F. Drewniak, and has since authored two additional books, Desert Assassin (science fiction) and When Baseball Was Baseball (history).

It was the summer of 1948. Maybe I saw Johnny Sain win one of the 24 games he won that year. Maybe I saw Warren Spahn win one of his 15 victories, and one of his 363 lifetime wins. And most likely I saw the five Braves' players who batted over .300 in '48 – Tommy Holmes, Alvin Dark, Eddie Stanky, Jeff Heath and Mike McCormick.

I was five-years old when my parents brought me to see the Boston Braves play a home game at storied Braves Field. I was too young to realize I was watching a baseball game. Surrounding me were more people than I had ever seen in one place. They alternately cheered and booed, while seemingly eating and drinking most of the time. When my father cheered, I cheered. When he booed, I booed. Best of all, I ate two hot dogs which seemed to me to be the best tasting food I had ever eaten.

Lost on me at the time was that the Braves went on to play the Cleveland Indians that year in the World Series. It was the first World Series for the Braves since 1914 and the first for the Indians since 1920. Cleveland won in six games. The Indians had defeated the Red Sox in a one-game playoff for the American League championship, thus preventing an all-Boston World Series.

Three years later, baseball became the primary focus of my life. And, I was a fan of the Cleveland Indians. This despite the fact that I was born and raised in Fall River, Massachusetts. Located approximately fifty-miles south of Boston, the city with a population of approximately 100,000 at the time was, as to be expected, Boston Braves and Boston Red Sox territory.

I entered third grade in September 1951. Except for the memory of the hot dogs I consumed three years earlier at Braves Field, I doubt that I had given much thought to baseball during the intervening time. By the start of the 1952 MLB season, I had become a rabid fan of the Indians. Al Rosen, the team's third baseman, was my favorite player. How did an eight-year old in that environment come to be an Indians' fanatic?

Today's professional baseball in the United States is business – big business, with even major league bench warmers making more than a half-million dollars per year. In 1950, most players had to work in the “real world” during the off season, as their predecessors did going back to the beginnings of professional baseball. There were also those who were fortunate enough to barnstorm.

My parents took me to see a barnstorming game played in Fall River Stadium on October 14th, 1951. One of the teams was that organized by Birdie Tebbetts, Birdie Tebbetts All-Stars. I'm guessing that the opposition was comprised of some of the local area's better players. Tebbetts had just finished his first season with the Indians after having played with the Red Sox during the previous four years. Other Indians on the team were Al Rosen, Jim Hegan and Mike Garcia. The main attraction was Bobby Thompson who just four days earlier had hit the "Shot Heard 'Round the World." 

If memory serves me correctly, my parents and I were seated several rows in back of, and to the right of, the dugout used by Tebbetts' team. At some point in the game, a foul grounder was hit toward the area in which we were sitting. I raced toward the railing separating the playing field from the seats. My momentum carried me over the railing resulting in my dropping a short distance onto the field.

The baseball gods must have been watching. I was unhurt and before I could move, Al Rosen came out of the dugout, picked me up by the back of my shirt, grabbed the ball and brought me into the dugout. He proceeded to sign the ball and had several other players do so as well. After escorting me back to the “scene of the crime,” he lifted me over the railing and I scurried back to my seat.

As soon as I was told that Rosen played for the Cleveland Indians, I was forever “doomed” to be a fan of the team.

Remembering 10 Cent Beer Night In Cleveland

One of the worst promotions in baseball history. 10 cent beer night in Cleveland on June 4, 1974, and

.The Cleveland Indians Sudden Sam McDowell

Sam McDowell was 6-5 southpaw with a nice easy motion when he delivered the ball to plate gave rise to the nickname Sudden Sam. McDowell broke in with the Cleveland Indians as an 18-year old. When in his only appearance he walked five, and fanned 5 hitters in a 6.1 innings of work. It was an omen of things to come for McDowell.  in 1962 & 1963, he struggled to find his spot on the pitching staff. 

1964 was to be McDowell's break out season. He finish with a won-loss record of 11-6 with an ERA of 2.70, he walked 100 batter, while striking out 177, in 173.1 innings of work.  In 1965, he would go 17-11 with a league leading ERA of 2.18. He would lead the league in strike outs with 325, walks 132, and 17 wild pitches. Effectively wild?  Five of the next six seasons he would lead the American League in strikes outs.  Five of the next seven seasons, he would lead the league in walks.  1970 would be his only 20 win season of his career, and after that season his numbers began to tail off. 

After the 1971 season he was traded to the San Francisco Giants where he won 10 games in 1972. McDowell would make stops at the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates before calling it a career. He was six time American League all-star (1965, 1966, 1968-1971).  His won loss record was 141-134 with an ERA of 3.17, and finished with 2,453 strike outs.

The Baltimore Orioles Boog Powell

Boog Powell has a storied career for the Baltimore Orioles. He made his debut as a 19 year-old appearing four games in 1961, and in his first full season in 1962, he clubbed 15 home runs, a glimpse of the power that was to come for the slugger. He started off playing both leftfield, and first base. By 1966, when the Orioles won the World Series, he was the every day first baseman. At 6-4, 230 pounds Powell was an intimidating presence in the batters box.

Powell would hit 20 or more home runs in 9 seasons, and in four of those season, he would hit 30 or more. No easy feat with most of his early career when pitching dominated Major League Baseball. He hit 25 home runs with 82 RBI in 1963, and he followed it up with 39 home runs and 99 RBI, and end that season with a line of .290/.366/.606. 

The Orioles would sweep the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1966 in the World Series, and in that season Powell had his best to date, hitting 34 home runs and 109 RBI. He put together another good line .287/.372/.532. The Orioles dominated the American League, and the American League Eastern division beginning in 1969. The Orioles won the World Series in 1966 and 1970. 1969 and 1971, the Orioles won the American League pennant.  Powell hit 37 home runs with 121 RBI in 1969, followed by 1970 season 35 home runs with 114 RBI.  It would be the last time he would hit over 30 home runs in a season, and have over 100 RBI.

Earl Weaver's use of a platoon system started costing Powell playing time during the 1973-1974 seasons. He was traded to the Cleveland Indians, where in 1975, he responded with a 27 home runs and 86 RBI, and line of .297/.377/.524. He would play one more season in Cleveland. His number dropped dramatically. In 1977, his final season, he ended his career with the Los Dodgers used as a pinch-hitter.

He finished his career with .339 home runs with 1,187 RBI with a slash line of .266/.361/.462. Powell was an American League all-star from 1968-1971. He was the American League Most Valuable Player, and he is a member of the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame.

Bob Feller: The Heater From Van Meter

Bob Feller was only 17 years old when he broke into the major leagues with the Cleveland Indians in 1936. The hard throwing right-hander also known as Bullet Bob and Rapid Robert. Arguably the hardest throwing pitcher of his era. He was the youngest pitcher to win 24 games in a season, he accomplished the feat at age 20, going 24-9. He would win 20 plus games 1939-1941, he led the league in wins each season.  His won loss record was 76-33, and was only 22 years of age. 

When the United States entered World War II, Feller's career was interrupted by four years of service in the U.S. Navy.  He was the first professional athlete to enlist for military service during the war. He attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer serving aboard the USS Alabama. Where he was awarded six campaign ribbons and eight battle stars.

He is the only pitcher to throw a no-hitter on opening day, he accomplished the task against the Chicago White Sox in 1940. He would toss three no-hitters in his career, and 12 one-hitters. Feller was part of the last Cleveland Indians World Series champions in 1948. 

He finished his career with a won-loss record of 266-162 and 3.25 ERA with 2,581 strikeouts. An eight time American League All-Star. He led the American League six times in wins, and seven times in strikeouts. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. His #19 has been retired by the Cleveland Indians.

The Cleveland Indians Lou Boudreau

When the Cleveland Indians last won the World Series in 1948, Lou Boudreau was the starting shortstop, and manager. He also won the American League batting title. That season he would hit 18 home runs and drive in 106 runs, a career high. In 676 plate appearances he struck out only nine times. He finished with a slash line of .355/.453/.534, and was the American League MVP.

He would spend 15 seasons in the major leagues, 13 seasons with the Cleveland Indians and part of two seasons with the Boston Red Sox. Boudreau managed the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Athletics, and Chicago Cubs. He would go on to serve as play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs.

In 1970, the eight time all-star was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The same year the Cleveland Indians retired his #5. Boudreau died in 2001. 

Jim "Mudcat" Grant

Jim "Mudcat" Grant made his Major League debut in 1958 with the Cleveland Indians. He was given the nickname Mudcat by roomate Larry Doby. Who claimed he was "ugly as a Mississippi Mudcat." The name stuck, and Grant won ten games in his rookie season winning, in which he made 28 starts and 14 appearances out of the bullpen.

Grant would write his own chapter into baseball history by becoming the first black pitcher in the American League to win twenty games. He did it in 1965 with the Minnesota Twins, when he went 21-7 with an ERA 3.30. His 21 wins were the best in the American League, along with a league leading 6 shutouts in the leading the Twins to the American League pennant. In the World Series, he would become the first black pitcher to win a World Series game, and in game six of the series he launched a three run homer, making him only the second pitcher from the American League history in accomplish the feat.  He was honored by The Sporting News that season as their Pitcher of the Year.

Grant was an American League all-star in 1963 and 1965. After 1966, he worked out of the bullpen, and as with many relief pitchers it was have arm will travel.  He made stops with the Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Montreal Expos, Pittsburgh Pirates and two tours with the Oakland Athletics.  He finished with a won-loss record of 145-119 with a career ERA of 3.63. He earned 54 saves along the way.

Grant wrote a book titled The Black Aces: Baseball's Only African-American Twenty-Game Winners. Featuring a chapter on each of the African-American pitchers who have accomplished the feat.  A book I can recommend.

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Jose Canseco Uses His Head

May 26, 1993. Carlos Martinez of the Cleveland Indians hits  fly ball to right-field that is misplayed by Texas Rangers outfielder Jose Canseco. The ball hits Canseco hits the right-fielder in the head, and goes over the wall for a home run. The Indians go on to win the game 7-6.

Joe Glasgow is a former senior staff writer at Fanstop.com, and is the author of the book Play Ball! Growing Up With Baseball https://amzn.to/2o4M62h

Tris Speaker Joins 3,000 Hits Club

May 17, 1925. In a 2-1 loss to the Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians outfielder Tris Speaker collects his 3,000th hit. He was the fifth player to have 3,000 hits in a career. His hit was a single off pitcher Tom Zachary.

Joe Glasgow is a former senior staff writer at Fanstop.com, and is the author of the book Play Ball! Growing Up With Baseball https://amzn.to/2o4M62h

Len Barker Hurls Perfect Game

May 15, 1981. The Cleveland Indians righty Len Barker hurls the 11th perfect in Major League Baseball history. Barker defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 3-0 in front of a sparse crowd at Municipal Stadium in Cleveland. It is the first perfect game since 1968.

Joe Glasgow is a former senior staff writer at Fanstop.com, and is the author of the book Play Ball! Growing Up With Baseball https://amzn.to/2o4M62h

Mark "The Bird" Fidyrch First Major League Start

May 15, 1976. Mark "The Bird" Fidrych makes his Major League start. Fidrych proceeds to throw no-hit ball for six innings, and goes the distance in a 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians. His unusual antics, and talking to the baseball entertain Tiger fans.

Joe Glasgow is a former senior staff writer at Fanstop.com, and is the author of the book Play Ball! Growing Up With Baseball https://amzn.to/2o4M62h

Joe DiMaggio Begins 56-Game Hitting Streak

May 15, 1941. The New York Yankees Joe DiMaggio begins his record breaking 56-game hitting streak. Chicago White Sox pitcher Edgar Smith serves up the hit that begins the streak. The streak will not be stopped until July 17 in Cleveland.

Joe Glasgow is a former senior staff writer at Fanstop.com, and is the author of the book Play Ball! Growing Up With Baseball https://amzn.to/2o4M62h

Asdrubal Cabrera's Unassisted Triple Play

May 12, 2008. Cleveland Indians second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera pulls off only the 14th unassisted triple in Major League Baseball History against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Joe Glasgow is a former senior staff writer at Fanstop.com, and is the author of the book Play Ball! Growing Up With Baseball https://amzn.to/2o4M62h

Bob Feller Tosses Second No-Hitter

April 30, 1946, Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller fired his second career no-hitter beating the New York Yankees 1-0 at Yankee Stadium. The only run of the game came on a 9th inning home run by catcher Frankie Hayes. 

Larry Doby Baseball Pioneer

Larry Doby was the first black player to play in the American League signing with the Cleveland Indians in 1947.  He would make a his major league debut with the Indians that year, but would have his official rookie season in 1948. The last season the Cleveland Indians won the World Series.  

Before signing with the Indians, Doby had been a star in the Negro league star playing there four seasons, which was interrupted by a two-year stint in the U.S. Navy during WW II.   In 1946, he was part of the Newark Eagles team that won the Negro league title. 

Doby would play for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White So and Detriot Tigers. Doby enjoyed his best offensive season in 1954, when he hit 32 home runs and have 126 RBI. He would hit 20 or more home runs in 8 seasons, last being with the Chicago White Sox in 1956.

Doby was a seven time all-star all in a Cleveland Indians uniform. He would win the American home run title in 1952, and 1954. In 1998, he was elected by the veteran's committee to the Baseball Hall of Fame.  His #14 has been retired by the Cleveland Indians.

Bob Feller Tribute

April 16, 1940. Bob Feller no-hits the Chicago White Sox 1-0 on opening day. It is the only no-hitter to have been thrown in a Major League Baseball opener. He would go on to win a career high 27 games that year. He enjoyed an 18-year career, but missed three seasons during World War II. He was 266-162 over the length of his career with an ERA of 3.25. He would throw two more no hitters during his career. He was an eight time All-Star elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.