The Cleveland Indians teams of the 1990s were nothing but magical for Tribe faithful. Many great players have impacted the team’s success over the last 25 years, but none more than these five.
The Cleveland Indians teams of the 1990s were eccentric, exciting and showcased some of the game’s best offensive talent. Outside of the early 2000s and the 2007 postseason run, the last 15 years have left much to be desired.
For that reason, four of the five on this list were stars in the 90s. The Tribe has seen some great players come through the organization in recent years, but few have spent enough time in the city to garner significant consideration for the list.
Tenure, performance and fan admiration all need to be considered when discussing a franchise’s all-time great players. Hopefully, current Indians such as Jason Kipnis, Michael Brantley, Francisco Lindor will bring Cleveland back to the glory days and join the greats. Only time will tell.
Without further ado, here are the top five Indians since 1990.
Next: 5- SP C.C. Sabathia
5- SP C.C. Sabathia
Time in Cleveland- (2001-2008)
The Indians drafted C.C. Sabathia 20th overall in the 1998 MLB Draft, and they didn’t regret it.
In eight seasons with the club Sabathia, won 106 games with an earned run average of 3.83. The lefty hurler ranks fifth in strikeouts in team history (1,265). He was named to three All-Star teams and won the 2007 American League Cy Young Award, leading the league in wins and games started in the process.
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Sabathia was the definition of an ace for the Tribe. The exhilarating run to the American League Championship Series in 2007 remains the bright spot for the organization in the past decade. Despite his lackluster performance in the postseason, Sabathia was vital to the team’s regular season success.
Even though the organization as a whole didn’t enjoy 90s-like success during Sabathia’s tenure, he remains the team’s best pitcher since 1990.
Midway through the 2008 season he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for Matt LaPorta (flop) and Michael Brantley.
We can thank Sabathia for Brantley.
Next: 4- OF Albert Belle
4- OF Albert Belle
Time in Cleveland- (1989-1996)
Albert Belle was the modern day Ty Cobb, in a way. He was the meanest, most competitive S.O.B. to ever don an Indians uniform.
Belle is second in club history with 242 home runs, tenth in RBIs (751), and second in slugging percentage (.580). He made four All-Star teams in Cleveland and won four Silver Slugger awards. In 1995 he became the first player in major league history to hit for 50 double and 50 home runs. On and off the field, the man was a menace.
He was the meanest, most competitive S.O.B. to ever don an Indians uniform.
His explosive personality was just one of many manager Mike Hargrove had to manage in the 90s. Belle’s many incidents include destroying Fernando Vina on the base paths attempting to break up a double play, pegging a heckling fan in the chest with a baseball, and-most infamously- chasing down trick or treaters in his truck.
He always played hard, though. The relationship between Belle and the city was bitter after his departure in 1997 to join the rival Chicago White Sox. But as they say, time heals all wounds.
Just check out the Albert Belle bobble head given away last year at Progressive Field, biceps and all.
Next: 3- OF Manny Ramirez
3- OF Manny Ramirez
Time in Cleveland- (1993-2000)
Manny Ramirez is arguably the greatest hitter of the 1990s and early 2000s. Most of that time was spent with the Cleveland Indians.
Ramirez is third in team history with 236 home runs, eighth in RBIs (804), and first in OPS (.998, on-base percentage plus slugging percentage). He made six All-star games and won three Silver Slugger awards with the Tribe.
The “Manny Being Manny” phrase was coined by Tribe manager Mike Hargrove after the outfielder left a paycheck in his cleats.
Ramirez was a prime contributor to the eccentric Indians locker rooms of the 1990s. The “Manny Being Manny” phrase was coined by Tribe manager Mike Hargrove after the outfielder left a paycheck in his cleats.
His antics on and off the field combined with his incredible prowess in the batters box make him an unforgettable character for the game of baseball. He may have gone on to “bigger and better” things in Boston, but forget all that.
Manny Ramirez was a Cleveland Indian first and foremost.
Next: 2- 1B/3B/DH Jim Thome
2- 1B/3B/DH Jim Thome
Time in Cleveland- (1991-2002, 2011)
Jim Thome has a statue beyond Heritage Park in center field at Progressive Field. That should tell you just about all you need to know about his place in Cleveland Indians history.
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Thome is the franchise leader in home runs (337) and walks (1008). He’s also fifth in runs scored (928), third in on base percentage (.414) and second in RBIs (937). While donning an Indians uniform he made three All-Star games and won the Silver Slugger award in 1996.
Like all on this list, Thome was a fan favorite. His return during the second half of the 2011 season was a perfect display of the love and affection Tribe fans have for the slugger.
On a side note, how did Thome only make three All-Star games during his time in Cleveland? In 2002, his final season before signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, he hit 52 home runs, drove in 118 runs, batted .304 and was snubbed from the All-Star game. Baffling.
Anyways, you would be hard pressed to find an athlete as revered as Thome and the next guy on the list amongst Tribe fans in the city of Cleveland.
Next: 1- SS Omar Vizquel
1- SS Omar Vizquel
Time in Cleveland- (1994-2004)
Omar Vizquel’s time with the Cleveland Indians was magical. During his time in Cleveland Vizquel made three All-Star games, won six AL Central Division championships, two American League Championships and eight gold gloves. Not a bad resume.
What truly made Vizquel special was his play at the shortstop position
What truly made Vizquel special was his play at the shortstop position. The double play combination of himself and Roberto Alomar is in the discussion for best ever. The two posted a ridiculous .986 fielding percentage and committed slightly above eight combined errors per season during their three year run (1999-2001). Vizquel is the all time fielding percentage leader for shortstops in major league history (.9846).
Vizquel’s charisma and hustle endeared him to Tribe faithful. His highlight reel bare hand fielding at short and countless “Web Gems” bring back the nostalgia of the 1990s. Forever a fan favorite, Omar represented all that was great about baseball in Cleveland.
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Vizquel was selected as one of the four greatest Indians in franchise history at the 2015 All-Star Game’s “Franchise 4.”