Collecting Cleveland Indians Topps team sets from 1952-present, as well as post-war minor and major league autographs.
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.
Pitcher Art Houtteman was with Cleveland from 1953 to 1956. This was during the latter half of his career, but he still went a solid 34-22 with a 97 ERA+ during that run. He
Back in 2011, the top three of the UCLA Bruins rotation were Trevor Bauer, Gerrit Cole, and Adam Plutko. As good as that rotation was–and both Bauer and Cole would get taken in the first round of that year’s draft–it would be the Plutko-led rotation in 2012 that would win the National Championship.
Earlier this season I was lucky enough to get Angelo State ace pitcher Kade Bragg, who after a dominant season went on to be drafted by the Twins in the 17th round. Very cool.
A very cool TTM success from Cleveland ace Cliff Lee, back when sending to Spring Training was still worth the effort.
Outfielder Bobby Bonds had a fantastic career in the Major Leagues, which included a single season in Cleveland. It’s a shame, though, that his career has been somewhat overshadowed by his son’s impact–both good and bad–on the game.
Filled another small gap in my Cleveland minor league card collection: 2000 Mult-Ad Akron Aeroes Danys Baez, his first issued card.