New Arrival: Arthur Rhodes, p, Cleveland Indians
Do you know who had a really good career? Arthur Rhodes.
Collecting Cleveland Baseball Since 1982
Collecting Cleveland Indians Topps team sets from 1952-present, as well as post-war minor and major league autographs.
From the Collection: Al Rosen, if, Cleveland Indians
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[…]
From the Collection: Johnny Damon, of, Cleveland Guardians
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[…]
From the Collection: Ethan Hankins, sp, Cleveland Guardians
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
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[…]
From the Collection: John Romano, c, Cleveland Indians
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.
From the Collection: Art Houtteman, p, Cleveland Indians
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
From the Collection: Adam Plutko, p, LG Twins
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.
From the Collection: Cliff Lee, sp, Cleveland Baseball
A very cool TTM success from Cleveland ace Cliff Lee, back when sending to Spring Training was still worth the effort.
New Arrival: Bobby Bonds, of, Cleveland Baseball
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.