Cleveland Indians: More Than Cavs, Tribe Best Represents Cleveland

The Cleveland Indians belong to fans of the north shore, more than any other Cleveland team.

Now that the celebration has settled in Detroit, we can reflect on the 2016 Cleveland Indians and see them for what they are. More than the Cavaliers, the Indians are the team that best represents this city.

More than overcoming a 3-1 deficit. More than riding a trio of legitimate superstars to a title with the most expensive roster in the league.

Think about it. Look at the Indians roster. The highest paid player is Mike Napoli. There isn’t a “Max” player on the field and there isn’t a transcendent superstar that single handedly carries the team to victory. Instead, it’s a collection of team players and clutch performers.

The likes of Lindor, Kipnis, Ramirez, and Salazar are all home-grown talents. Tyler Naquin broke on to the scene as a rookie. Chisenhall changed positions and role to win for the team. Zach McAlister moved to the pen to contribute.

There are plenty of redemption stories, too. Ramirez broke through accepting a super utility role in the outfield. At midseason, Ramirez made the full-time move to third base after being among the worst shortstops in the league in 2015.

Lonnie Chisenhall was trade bait until a radical move to right field saved his career. Josh Tomlin‘s throwing shoulder and elbow have been pieced together like Frankenstein’s monster to lead the team in wins most of the year. Abe Almonte played his butt off knowing he can’t play in October.

There are some cast offs as well. Chris Giminez was a third string catcher no one wanted. He helped get Trevor Bauer to make great strides this season and started at third base on Tuesday.

Mike Napoli was coming off his worst professional season to then have his best professional season.

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Rajai Davis never was more than an extra outfielder. Instead, he was a menace on the base paths and a great teammate when Tyler Naquin took over in center.

There were injuries to Yan Gomes, Roberto Perez, Michael Brantley, Carlos Carrasco, and Danny Salazar. There was the collective black hole at catcher and with Juan Uribe. There was finding motivation while playing in front of only a few fans.

There was proving Paul Hoynes wrong for saying this team was dead in the water.

Despite all of this, the Indians won a division title for the first time since 2007. There were 9 different players with walk-off winners. There were multiple players that seemed to step up in key moments. It was as if the magic of 1995 was back in the building, exercising the demons of 1997 and relieving the pain of the years between 2007 and now.

Relish it now and gear up for October baseball. Perhaps the midges will be invading during the Divisional Series at Progressive Field.

There might be more insane Tom Hamilton radio calls that send our adrenaline spiking.

Next: Tribe Wins The Central: Tom Hamilton Calls Final Out

There might just be another feather in the cap of the City of Cleveland. Francona and his boys deserve to play for a title and they deserve to have the entire city behind them. The Cavs may have started the #YearofCLE, but it’s the Indians that are saving the best for last.

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Cleveland Indians: More Than Cavs, Tribe Best Reflects Cleveland

By Joe Russo | Sep 28, 2016

The Cleveland Indians belong to fans of the north shore, more than any other Cleveland team.

More from Factory of Sadness