Saturday Spotlight: Larry Doby

Larry Doby played centerfield for the Cleveland Indians from 1947-1955 and 1958. He was the first African American to play in the American League and the second to play in the MLB behind Jackie Robinson. He was from a little town in South Carolina called Camden. He was signed as a free agent in 1947 and played for a combined 10 years with the Indians. He had two stints with the Indians. In 1955 Doby was traded to the Chicago White Sox. Then in 1958 he was traded back to Cleveland form the Baltimore Orioles. In 1959 Doby was traded to the Detroit Tigers for Tito Francona, the father of current Indians manager Terry Francona. Between all trading he did play for the indians for 10 years. In those ten years he had 808 runs, 1234 hits, 190 doubles, 45 triples, 215 home runs, 776 RBIs, 44 stolen bases, 703 walks, 805 walks, and a batting average of .286. While his numbers don't seem to be that big he made 7 All-Star teams and made it to the World Series twice, 1948 and 1954. Because Jackie Robinson was the first black to play in the majors Doby goes unrecognized in his accomplishments and firsts as an African American. He was the first black in the American League, first black to hit a home run in the World Series, first player to go from the Negro Leagues to the majors, first player to win a championship in the Negro League and the Major League, first black player to win the home run title in the majors, and first black player to win the RBI title in the American League. All of these amazing firsts have left him a legend in Cleveland. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998, and as of 2015 has a statue on the plaza outside the gates in Cleveland. Larry Doby might go under the radar in most places but he will always be a part of Cleveland history.

The Voice of the Indians

The voice of the Indians Tom Hamilton has signed a contract extension. He will begin his 27th season of calling Indians baseball in 2016. He has become a legend in sports broadcasting and will continue making Indians radio very colorful and exciting.

Saturday Spotlight: Bob Feller

Bob Feller was a starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians from 1936-1941 and 1945- 1956. He left baseball in 1942 to serve his country in the Navy during WWII. He signed with the Cleveland Indians when he was only 17 years old, in 1936, for $1 and an autographed baseball. His debut was on July 19, 1936.
One year before he left baseball in 1940 at the age of 21 he had a stellar season. He pitched 43 games with a win loss record of 27-11. He had an ERA of 2.61, struck out 261 batters, and pitched 320.1 innings. Of his 43 games he had 31 complete games and 4 shutouts. He gave up 245 hits, 102 runs, 93 earned runs, 13 home runs, and 153 walks. He lead the American League in ERA, wins, games pitched, innings pitched, strikeouts, complete games, shutouts, and games started. Feller won the AL Triple Crown leading in strikeouts, wins, and ERA.
In 1942 Feller left to join the Navy in WWII. He served on the USS Alabama during his time in the war. He returned to baseball at the end of the war in 1944.
One year after his return, in 1946, Feller still seemed to be as good as he was before he left. He pitched 48 games with a win loss record of 26-15. He had an ERA of 2.18, struck out 348, and pitched 371.1 innings. In his 48 games he had 36 complete games and 10 shutouts. He gave up 277 hits, 101 runs, 90 earned runs, 11 home runs, and 153 walks. He lead the American League in wins, games pitched, innings pitched, strikeouts, complete games, shutouts, games started, walks, and hits. He was third in ERA that season as well.
In his 18 years playing for the Indians he played 570 games. HE had 226 wins, 162 losses, ERA of 3.25, 44 shutouts, and 279 complete games.  He pitched 3827 innings and struck out 2581 batters. He gave up 3271 hits, 1557 runs, 1384 earned runs, 224 home runs, and 1764 walks.
Although pitch speed was not recorded at the time, Feller was said to throw upwards of 100mph. Some throws were recorded at 98.6 and 107.6 mph. This earned him the nickname Heater from Van Meter.
Feller was an 8 time All-Star, 6 time American League wins leader, and 7 time MLB strikeout leader. He help lead the Indians to a World Series win in 1948 and has three no hitter to his name, 1940, 1946, and 1951. He was a first ballot inductee to the 1962 Hall of Fame wining 93.8% of the votes. His number, 19, is retried by the Indians and he will always be a legend in the heart of the Indians.

Pre-Season Baseball

Today marks the start of pre- season baseball. The Indians played today against the Cincinnati Reds. Countdown to regular season baseball continues with only 34 days left!!!