The Top 10 Greatest Cleveland Indians of All-Time: No.1 Bob Feller
This man needs no introduction. My Uncle Dave told me if I didn’t put him at number one, I should be fired from CST. He did it all. He struck out a lot of helpless hitters, won a lot games, fought for our country in WWII and was part of the last championship team. The number one player in Cleveland Indians history is none other than “The Heater from Van Meter,” Bob Feller. Feller spent his entire career with the Indians from 1936 to 1956. Feller also spent four of those years in the Navy, but over that span, Feller put together one of the greatest resumes in baseball history.
The Indians signed Feller as a teenager for ONE DOLLAR and an autograph baseball; please let that sink in for a second. He made his debut as a 17-year-old in 1936. And how did his debut go? He struck out 15 batters. On Opening Day in 1940, Feller became the first and only pitcher to ever throw a no-hitter on Opening Day, blanking by the White Sox.
Feller Stats/ Club Records:
Overall Record (266-162) Club Record for Wins (266)
(3) no-hitters
(12) one-hitters
(44) shutouts
(2,581) Strikeouts. Also, a Club Record
(3,827) Innings Pitched. Another Club Record
Walks (1,764) Club Record as well
Let me remind everybody again, this man missed 3.5 years of baseball while serving his country. Feller was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962. His #19 is retired by the Indians. The great Yankee slugger Joe DiMaggio once said of Feller, “I don’t think anyone is ever going to throw a ball faster than he does. And his curveball isn’t human.” Feller remains to be an icon in Cleveland. He now has a statue right outside Progressive Field.
Key Moments:
No-Hitter on Opening Day versus White Sox
15 K’s in his debut
Owning every pitching record in club history
To Read More About The Top 10 Players Click The Links of The Names of Choice Below!!!
Number 8: Manny Ramirez – Manny Being Manny!
Number 7: Tris Speaker – The Gray Eagle!
