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5 Longest World Series Droughts: Cleveland Indians Now Own Longest Streak

By Eric Pitcher

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs players celebrate on the field after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs players celebrate on the field after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona makes a pitching change against the Chicago Cubs in the 9th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona makes a pitching change against the Chicago Cubs in the 9th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Indians, 69 Seasons, Last Championship 1948

The 2016 campaign looked as if it was going to be magical one for the Cleveland Indians.

The Cleveland Cavaliers won the city’s first championship since 1964. The Cleveland Monsters won the Calder Cup and the Cleveland Indians came up one game short of ending their championship drought as well.

It wasn’t the first time the Indians have lost on a heartbreak though.

Back in 1995, the heavily favored Indians were expected to be the team to win it all. But they fell short after losing to the Atlanta Braves in the World Series, 4-2.

Then came the Jose Mesa blown save. The Indians were two outs away from winning it all. Two outs. David Justice was standing in the outfield thinking to himself  that he was going to win another World Series.

Extra innings rolled around and Edgar Renteria ended the 1997 World Series.

It’s been 20 years, but 2017 may be the year the Cleveland Indians end the drought. Signing one of the best power hitters this offseason, Edwin Encarnacion, the Tribe proved they are not messing around. They are ready to bury 69 seasons of futility.

Michael Brantley is coming of a shoulder surgery and the former MVP candidate is looking to contribute at a very high level. Along with Brantley, guys like Jose Ramirez, Tyler Naquin, and of course Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor should maintain their high level of play.

As far as pitching goes for the Indians, the starting rotations is how this club will live or die. With a healthy rotation that includes Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar, Trevor Bauer and Josh Tomlin, the Indians have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball.

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