Cleveland Guardians

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1901

  • Original Name/City: Cleveland Blues

  • Current Ballpark: Progressive Field

  • World Series Titles: 2 (1920, 1948)

  • Franchise Nicknames: The Tribe (former), The Guards

A History of the Cleveland Guardians

The Cleveland franchise was a charter member of the American League in 1901. First known as the Cleveland Blues, the team went through several name changes early on, becoming the Bronchos and then the "Naps" in honor of star player Nap Lajoie. The club officially became the Cleveland Indians in 1915, a name it would hold for over a century.

The team's first golden era came shortly after, led by Hall of Fame player-manager Tris Speaker, who guided them to their first World Series championship in 1920. Their second title came in 1948, with a legendary team that featured player-manager Lou Boudreau, Larry Doby (the AL's first black player), and a dominant pitching staff led by Bob Feller.

Following the 1948 championship, the franchise entered an extended period of futility, failing to win another title for the remainder of the 20th century. One bright spot was the 1954 team, which won a then-AL record 111 games. However, their hopes were dashed in the World Series, which will always be remembered for Willie Mays' iconic "The Catch."

For decades, the team struggled with poor records and attendance at the cavernous Cleveland Stadium, but the franchise was reborn in the 1990s with the opening of Jacobs Field (now Progressive Field) in 1994. New players like Albert Belle, Manny Ramirez, and Jim Thome powered the team to utter dominance in the AL Central, including two World Series appearances in 1995 and 1997.

Although they failed to win the title, they re-energized the city and sold out 455 consecutive games. After years of social pressure and reflection, the team officially changed its name to the Cleveland Guardians before the 2022 season.

The franchise continues its pursuit of its first World Series title since 1948, which remains one of the longest active droughts in baseball.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1901: Founded as the Cleveland Blues.

  • 1902: Renamed the Cleveland Bronchos.

  • 1905: Renamed the Cleveland Naps.

  • 1915: Renamed the Cleveland Indians.

  • 1920: Won their first World Series.

  • 1948: Won their second World Series.

  • 1994: Moved into Jacobs Field (now Progressive Field).

  • 1995 & 1997: Appeared in the World Series but lost.

  • 2016: Lost the World Series to the Chicago Cubs in seven games.

  • 2022: Renamed the Cleveland Guardians.

Legendary Players

Bob Feller (1936-1956)

  • "Rapid Robert" was a phenom with a legendary fastball, arguably the hardest thrower of his era. He won 266 games and threw three no-hitters, despite missing nearly four seasons to serve in WWII. He was the unquestioned ace of the 1948 championship team.

Tris Speaker (1916-1926)

  • A legendary centerfielder and hitter, Speaker served as player-manager for the 1920 World Series championship team. He is the all-time MLB leader in doubles and ranks among the top in career hits and batting average.

Larry Doby (1947-1955, 1958)

  • A trailblazer who broke the American League color barrier just 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson, Doby endured immense prejudice to become a seven-time All-Star and a key power-hitting centerpiece on the Guardians’ 1948 championship team.

Jim Thome (1991-2002, 2011)

  • The gentle giant with a powerful swing, Thome is the franchise's all-time home run leader. The Hall of Fame slugger was the beloved, blue-collar heart of the dominant 1990s teams, hitting over 600 home runs in his career.