The team started out as the Cleveland Blues in 1901 and went through a number of name changes before settling on the Cleveland Indians in 1915. Popular legend has it that the name was taken in honor of one of its most famous players Louis Sockalexis, who was Native American. In actuality, the name was thought up by local newspapers.
The Indians established themselves as middle runners till about 1946. The Indians faced a number of tragedies along the way, like losing Ray Chapman due to a ball that fractured his skull and ultimately killed him. By 1947 however, the team had become a solid body, comprised of mainly young players. The Indians soon distinguished themselves by not only breaking the color barrier, but by also winning the first one-game playoff in American League history to enter the World Series.
Curses And Controversies
By then, Cleveland Indians tickets were becoming a popular item among baseball fans everywhere. However things began to dim for the team in 1960, when Rocky Colavito was traded, sealing the fate of the Indians for the next 30 years. In what has become infamous as one of the worst trades in baseball, the Curse of Rocky Colavito kept the Indians in the cellar. They were unable to post a positive win on the field and ownership of the team kept changing hands.
It wouldn't be until 1994 that things began to change for the better. In 2001, the team managed to win a Central Division Title and posted the biggest comeback in Major League baseball in their game against the Seattle Mariners. The game is fondly remembered as The Impossible Return by baseball enthusiasts and fans.
In the recent years, the team has been criticized for its name and especially its logo as being offensive to Native American sensibilities. While the name and logo may have been perceived as harmless a hundred years ago, Native American groups today feel that it perpetuates damaging stereotypes. This however, has not deterred fans from buying Cleveland Indians tickets to go for the games.
The Cleveland Indians have a proud number of Baseball Hall of Fame players to their name. Some of the biggest names in baseball like Nap Lajoie, Lou Boudreau, Early Wynn, Cy Young and Joe Sewell are all former Indians.
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