Collecting Cleveland Indians Topps team sets from 1952-present, as well as post-war minor and major league autographs.
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.
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.