Cleveland Indians…An Exciting Baseball Team
Although the first professional baseball team in Cleveland was started in 1869 following the success of the first all professional baseball team, the Red Stockings from Cincinnati, the team we know today as the Cleveland Indians did not actually get it’s start until 1901, as the Cleveland Bluebirds.
The name did not seem appropriate for a baseball team and was often shortened to simply the Blues during that year. In 1902 the team tried to change their name unofficially to the Cleveland Broncos but the name never caught on and they eventually became the Naps. The Indians name did not come into use until 1915 when newspapers were asked to choose a new nickname for the team.
The Cleveland Indians won their first World Series in 1920, with their second and so far last win coming in 1948. They also have five American League Pennants and seven Central Division titles. They have been to three other World Series which they unfortunately lost to the other teams. Even when they do not win the season, the team has a good track record, often coming just short of a title or series.
The first home of the Cleveland Indians was the League Park which was also known as Dunn Field at times. Cleveland Municipal Stadium followed and was eventually replaced in 1994 by the team’s current home, Progressive Field. Costing 175 million dollars and seating 43,515 fans, the stadium was equipped in 2004 with what was at the time the largest video display in the world for a sports venue. The stadium was financed by a voter approved tax on alcohol and cigarettes beginning in 1990 and lasting for 15 years.
In their community, the Cleveland Indians are involved in many different community initiatives and charities. The Cleveland Indians Charities works with other organizations to improve the lives of area children through educational and recreational opportunities and activities. They also support fundraising activities to raise money for cancer research.
The Wives Association also conducts fundraising and charitable activities that are focused on helping women and children in the area. The High Achievers Kids Club encourages excellence in education and reading by rewarding children for attendance, reading, and good grades.
The Cleveland Indians are worthy of their fans’ praise both on and off the field. They play a great game of baseball, provide excellent entertainment for even the youngest fans, and after the game, keep the efforts going out in the community through their charity work. The state of Ohio would not be the same without the Indians Franchise.
