2008 Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians really stepped it up in the 2007 season, jumping from a .481 win average in 2006 to a .593 win average and the AL Central Division title. Sticking with what works, the Indians didn’t make many changes in the off season and they’re starting the 2008 season as early favorites to take the Central Division title again. Fans will be sure to pack the stands at Progressive Field to see if the Indians can repeat last year’s success, so don’t wasn’t until wait, get your tickets now and watch the Cleveland Indians crush the opposition in 2008!

Starting Out

The Cleveland Indians became a charter member of the American League in 1901. It wasn’t until 1920 that they reached and won their first World Series. The Indians then went into another long draught, finishing as high as 2nd only twice over the next 27 years. All of that changed in 1948 when player-manager Lou Boudreau became the youngest Manager to win the World Series. The Indians remained competitive over the next few years even setting an American League record of 111 wins in 1954 that stood for 44 years.

Despite the lean years, the Indians always had a devoted following thanks to such stars as Bob Feller and Nap Lajoie, whom the team was named after from 1905 to 1915. The Indians also gave Larry Doby the opportunity to become the first black player in American League history in 1947.

Return to Success

That 1954 team lost the World Series to the New York Giants and the franchise once again went into a long decline. There were few highlights over the next forty years as the team rarely finished over .500 let alone contended. Then in 1995 it all changed. Playing in their beautiful new ballpark Jacobs Field the Indians reached the postseason once again. Routinely playing in front of a sold out crowd the Indians proceeded to make the postseason five years in a row, reaching the World Series twice.

Perennial Contenders

The Indians are now perennial contenders. Unfortunately they play in what is considered the toughest division in baseball: the American League Central. Playing so many games against the Tigers, White Sox, Twins, and Royals makes reaching the postseason tough and they have only won one division title in the last 7 years.