Factory Of Sadness
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Cleveland Indians: MLB Network’s The Dynasty That Almost Was review

By Ryan Rosko

11 Oct 1998: General view of the Cleveland Indians dugout during the American League Championships Series game against the New York Yankees at Jacobs Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The Yankees defeated the Indians 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport
11 Oct 1998: General view of the Cleveland Indians dugout during the American League Championships Series game against the New York Yankees at Jacobs Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The Yankees defeated the Indians 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport /
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MLB Network will unveil a film focusing on the Cleveland Indians in the 1990’s. Will it be worth watching?

MLB Network puts together baseball films in a series titled “MLB Network Presents”. Their next film will be on the Cleveland Indians‘ 1990’s teams titled “The Dynasty That Almost Was“, which will debut during the 2017 MLB All-Star break on July 12 at 7:30 PM.

Those 90’s teams were always so close, but came up short. Last season’s Indians squad also had a great run, but the 2016 team and other recent seasons teams don’t match what could have been decades ago.

I had the honor and pleasure of watching a private media showing of the film and I came away very impressed. MLB Network has put together great work in the past via their “MLB Network Presents” series, but this film may be the best yet.

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This film is a five-star piece that every Indians fan should look forward too for different reasons. If you are a Cleveland fan that was born shortly before, during, or especially after their World Series appearances in the 90’s, then some of the insight into the teams could be very beneficial.

If you do not fit that category and are older, then expect to relive some happy and fun memories. Given how everything played out though, it won’t be long before some of those sad, frustrating, and totally disbelief thoughts and memories sink in.

Still, optimism is ongoing (and rightfully so) that the wait for a World Series championship will end soon.

During the piece, MLB Network started back in 1989 when the franchise began to build everything. The piece was narrated by actor Corbin Bernsen on how Cleveland turned into a successful team following decades of seasons without postseason baseball.

Among those who were interviewed includes broadcaster Tom Hamilton, former manager Mike Hargove, and the following former players: Shortstop Omar Vizquel, center fielder Kenny Lofton, second baseman Carlos Baerga and infielder Jim Thome.

Certain numbers will stand out to many, including 455 (the number of games that were consecutively sold out) and two (World Series appearances).

I was expecting fewer details in terms on why things were done or could have been differently. Luckily and thankfully, that was not the case. Many fans to this day are still upset with how closer Jose Mesa handled game seven of the 1997 World Series.

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Well, those people may have a different  opinion after watching what was told about that game. Also, despite not being able to sign players to big contracts, what if I were to tell you that two members of Cleveland’s front office regrets adding an ace during their great mid-90’s run and that they could have had a future hall of famer?

Well, that is exactly what happen and if you do not know who that player is, then that is another reason to tune in, especially for the return that they would have had to given up.

Two aspects of the film I wished were further discussed focused on Thome and Baerga. It would have great to hear the responses on a question along the lines of “Why not look to Thome at 1B sooner and instead move others to improve the team”?

We all know the difference in Thome’s game when he moved across the diamond. Also for as popular as Baerga was, why didn’t Cleveland consider to a greater extent the possibility of doing whatever it took to keep him long-term?

As the piece progressed, MLB Network provided a very good balance of the reality of the highs and lows during the Indians’ 1990’s run. I had my moments of happiness and heart-dropping reactions.

Yet, I wonder even more now if they made X move instead of Y, would that have really influenced history? We will never know for sure.

However, all Indians fans should agree that those 90’s teams, especially the A.L. championship winning teams of 1995 and 1997 are very special and that they won’t leave that spot in our hearts.

Next: Salazar will pitch for the Scrappers


Remember to DVR “The Dynasty That Almost Was”. You won’t regret it! Don’t be surprised if the next film MLB Network puts together involving the Indians (hopefully) focuses on their recent championship!

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