The Top 10 Greatest Cleveland Indians of All-Time: No. 5 Omar Vizquel

Let’s be real here, the original ‘Mr. Smile’ was Omar Vizquel. Omar makes the countdown in the number five spot. He didn’t have the greatest power like the others on this list. But Vizquel’s gift was in the infield. Omar would go down as one of the greatest shortstops in the history of baseball. Omar came over from Seattle in 1994 and from that point on Omar turned on some of the greatest displays of defense Indians fans had ever seen. Over the next 11 years Omar would collect eight Gold Gloves and make three all-star appearances. Omar was the last remaining player from those great 90’s teams that stayed the longest, making his final appearance in a Tribe uniform in 2004.

Omar would team up with Carlos Baerga and Roberto Alomar forming the most lethal double-play tandems in the game. Especially when Roberto Alomar came over in 1999. Omar has in-fact turned more double plays than any SS in history. As for the finest moments in Omar’s career with the Indians, who can forget his insane diving stop and throwing out a runner in the World Series against the Marlins. His walkoff grand slam against the Tigers, his famed missed bunt against the Orioles in the ALCS. Also, his three-run triple against the Mariners in that memorable comeback for the ages.

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For over a decade, Omar dazzled fans with his incredible fielding and charismatic smile that brought joy to Indians fans for 11 wonderful years. Like Jim Thome, Omar is also waiting on his call to Cooperstown.