Collecting Cleveland Indians Topps team sets from 1952-present, as well as post-war minor and major league autographs.
Aaron Civale had an impressive rookie season in 2019 for the Cleveland Indians, going 3-4 with a 2.34 ERA/1.040 WHIP–good for an OPS+ of 202. He did not strike out a ton of guys, only 46 in 57.2 innings, but he also only gave up 44 hits. His success should[…]
Aaron Harang is one of my favorite all-time pitchers. Harang was drafted in the 6th round (195th overall) by the Texas Rangers in 1999 out of San Diego State University. He was a well thought of prospect as he made his way up through the minors, ranking as one of[…]
Ryan Conroy was drafted by Orioles in the eighth round of the 2018 draft out of Elon University. He was a very effective starter in college, a role that Baltimore looks like they will try to keep him. In 2019 Conroy saw time at three levels, from Low-A to High-A,[…]
Shelton Perkins was drafted in the 16th round (468th overall) by the Baltimore Orioles in 2019, out of James Madison. He was an effective pen arm in college, a role that he would remain in as a pro. He was assigned to Low-A Aberdeen and got 17.2 innings of work[…]
Ripper Collins could hit the ball hard. And had a long successful career in baseball, both in the minor and major leagues. In 1930 Collins hit .376 with 40 HR for the Rochester Red Wings, an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. It was a powerful performance that won him[…]
Connie Johnson made the majors in 1953 with the Chicago White Sox. By the time he made it to the show his arm had some miles on it. He had been pitching–often spectacularly–since 1940. But baseball’s color barrier meant that he would never have a chance to showcase his talents[…]
Nolan Arenado is one of my favorite players. I feel…compelled…to grab his autograph if it is a good deal. A fellow collector was selling a few extra’s that he had gotten in person, and I jumped. Arenado is clearly on a path to the Hall of Fame. But there is[…]
Tony Wolters was a very well thought of prospect moving up through the Indians system. From 2010-2014 he ranked as one of the Indian’s top prospects–as high as #8 in 2010. He as kind of a cool prospect since he could handle playing catcher or any middle infield position, which[…]
The Indians are not unique in having a deep stable of failed pitching prospects. Here is a list of the guys that I can think of off the top of my head: #1. Chuck Lofgren (2004 4th round, #2 prospect in 2006 and 2007) #2. Jeremy Sowers (2004 1st round,[…]
Trayce Thompson was a very well thought of prospect for the White Sox. From 2009-2015 he consistently rated one of their top prospects, ranking as high as #2 following the 2012 season. He made the majors in 2015 and held his own over 122 at-bats. But the White Sox traded[…]