Collecting Cleveland Indians Topps team sets from 1952-present, as well as post-war minor and major league autographs.
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.
teve Carlton was an amazing pitcher. 329 career wins, four Cy Young Awards, 10 All-Star selections, two-time World Series Champion, and of course, 1994 first ballot Hall of Famer.
Another very cool autograph from the Hawaii Baseball Association 2023 Fall Showcase, St. Louis shortstop Tanner Chun (2024).
I am old, I guess. But I like to remember Mike Mussina more for his time in Baltimore than New York, though I am probably in the minority.