Collecting Cleveland Indians Topps team sets from 1952-present, as well as post-war minor and major league autographs.
New Arrival: Jim Thome, 1b, Cleveland Baseball … I have a couple of Jim Thome autographs, but not too many certified ones. I was able to get this for a good price, so I pulled the trigger. I am bummed that Topps decided to pull the plug on Gypsy Queen;[…]
Fun fact! The record for the most consecutive seasons leading the league in losses by a major league pitcher is held by two former Cleveland pitchers: Pedro Ramos and Phil Niekro.
From the Field: Kai Correa, coach, Cleveland Guardians … I was able to get Cleveland Guardian’s coach Kai Correa [ @thatguy__kai ] a couple of days ago. For a guy who collects Cleveland Guardian and Hawaii-based player autographs, this is about as exciting as it can get. Mr. Correa[…]
When you think Hall of Fame players who wore a Cleveland uniform, you don’t normally think of outfielder Alex Ramirez. But here we are. I am excited to add this autograph to my collection since he is not easy to get—he lives in Japan—and never does signings.
Do you know who had a really good career? Arthur Rhodes.
From the Collection: Al Rosen, if, Cleveland Indians … Did you know that the last time that a Cleveland player won the MVP award was in 1953? That should probably not be the case. At the very least, Albert Belle should have won in 1995 (177 OPS+). But here we[…]
Outfielder Johnny Damon had a great career. He spent 18 seasons in the big leagues and was a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series Champion. His mix of power and speed made him one of the best outfielders in the game. … It’s easy to forget that Damon spent one[…]
Cleveland drafted Ethan Hankins with the 35th overall pick of the 2018 draft. He was one of the best players available in the draft, but his stock slipped because of a shoulder injury. In 2021 he underwent Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him until this past season.
From the Collection: Franmil Reyes, 1b, Leones del Escogido … Coming into the 2022 season, Cleveland assumed that Franmil Reyes was the long-term answer at first base. In 2021 Reyes hit 30 HR with a 128 OPS+, and was only 25 years old. Sure, power-hitting first basemen don’t always age[…]
Cleveland has had some great catchers. In the 50’s you had Jim Hegan. In the 90’s you had Sandy Alomar Jr. The in the late-2000’s you had Victor Martinez. But one of the better ones that people don’t remember is John Romano, who was the team’s starting catcher from 1960-1964.