5 in 50- The Cleveland Indians

Continuing my 5 in 50 series, today’s team is the Cleveland Indians. This will be a list of the top 5 greatest players for the Indians in the last 50 years. The criteria are as follows: Player must have been part of team for at least 5 full seasons since 1972. Both regular season and post season success will be measured (statistical leaders, awards, et). Players on this list can be from any position. Multiple players at the same position can be included. I’ll list the major accomplishments for each player only for the team they are selected.

Here is my list of the top 5 greatest Indians players in the last 50 years.

5. Kenny Lofton (1992-1996, 1998-2001)- 5 x stolen base leader (including 4 seasons over 50).

4. Corey Kluber (2011-2019)- 2 x AL Cy Young award winner. And finished in top 3 Cy Young voting twice.

3. Manny Ramirez (1993-2000)- 3 top 10 finishes in MVP voting. 1999 AL RBI leader.

2. Albert Belle (1989-1996)- 3 top 5 finishes in MVP voting. 3 x AL RBI leader. 1995 AL Home Run leader.

1. Jim Thome (1991-2002, 2011)- 3 top 10 finishes in MVP voting. Indians all-time home run leader.

Honorable mention to Omar Viszquel, CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Carlos Baerga, Charles Nagy.

Notes. This group includes 4 players who were part of the 1995 pennant winning team that lost to the Braves in the World Series. Such a potent lineup. Lofton, Belle and a young Manny Ramirez made up one of the best outfields in baseball. And with Thome being a Hall of Fame first basemen, the 95 Indians were one of the greatest teams that never won it all. The one player on this list that was not on the 95 team is Corey Kluber, one of the best pitchers in their history. He only had 6 full seasons with the Indians but was dominant during his time healthy. He won 2 Cy Young awards but could easily have won 4.

Next up in the 5 in 50 series is the Detroit Tigers.