Indians All-Decade Team: 1950-1959
The 1950’s started on high, 6 straight 90 win seasons, not to mention a 111-win season in 1954 ( a record that would stand until 1998). In fact, if it wasn’t for the Yankees of the 1950’s, the Indians would have gone to 7 World Series in the 1950’s, as they finished in second place, 6 times. Instead, Cleveland had to settle for only one World Series appearance, in 1954. All Cleveland fans know about this World Series, played in Polo Grounds, one of the most spacious parks ever, Vic Wertz smashed a 420-foot bomb to centerfield, only to see Willie Mays make the greatest catch in MLB history, as the Indians would lose the game, and eventually get swept in the series. This would be the Tribe’s last World Series (or even postseason appearance) until 1995. A decade that started so well, ended with a curse, as beloved slugger, Rocky Colavito was traded to Detroit, thus beginning the “Curse of Rocky Colavito”.
Best Season: 111-43 in 1954, AL Champion
Worst Season: 76-77 in 1957
Overall Record: 904-634
*Note: No DH will appear on this list, since the DH was established until 1973
