The Most Joyful Baseball Summer of My Youth:
1995 the Year the Indians Rocked Baseball
Picture of me (age 14) and my dad at the Jake Summer 1995.
The Magic of Baseball in my Summers
Growing up in suburban Western PA, summertime meant two things to me: 1) being away from school which includes homework, tests, bullies and people who I just plain don’t like for three full months and 2) freedom to watch, play, collect, fantasize and indulge in baseball with no outside interruption all day for as long as I’d like. Most summer days typically began for me waking up and watching baseball highlights on ESPN SportsCenter. Despite having a half-hour broadcast, I’d often sit and watch the same SportsCenter show over and over again. I’d watch it three or four times in the course of every summer morning. Why? Well, because I didn’t have anything else to do (or watch) and I could never, ever get enough of those exciting baseball highlights.
Typically during the afternoon I’d engage in one of two activities. Either I would: 1) go through my baseball card collection. This could include sorting cards, organizing cards, memorizing stat lines on the backs of my cards. Oddly, I never engaged in card flipping, but a favorite hobby of mine was making baseball card houses. Balancing cards and making these great “card houses” was never very difficult, and I would always fantasize about how great it would be to live in a house whose foundation included 1991 Topps cards of my baseball heroes.
Summer could also include: 2) my imaginary baseball games in my backyard. I’m sure that many baseball obsessed kids had their individual versions of this game. For my own pretend, fantasy baseball games, I was the entire team. Firstly, I was the pitcher and I would take the tennis ball (too hard playing backyard baseball with a hardball) and toss it against the cement pitching wall that my dad had constructed for me. I knew all the pitcher’s windups, and on any given summer day I would be Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan, Doug Drabek Bill Landrum or Stan Belinda. Next, I would be the fielder and would judge the path of the ball on the dirt of the infield (my backyard to be exact), field the ball and throw out the imaginary runner at 1st. These baseball games involved myself and myself only, and they could go for hours, all afternoon, every afternoon. They typically would go until my arm was too sore to keep pitching, and during the course of these humid summer days I was as content as a young baseball crazed boy could be alone by myself in my backyard.
During summers I loved watching baseball on television. There was nothing better to do on a summer night than to cradle up in a comfortable, large chair with baseball on the television and my baseball card album in my lap. I knew the last season baseball statistics for every important player. I didn’t need to refer to my cards for what is common knowledge for every baseball obsessed 12 year old boy. I cheered for the Pirates when they won division titles in 1990-1992. In 1993, I proclaimed myself a Phillies’ fan, bought a Starter brand Phillies jacket and cheered my heart out for the Phillies in the ’93 World Series only to see Mitch Williams blow 2 saves and the Blue Jays win on Joe Carter’s dramatic game winning home run in the 6th game.
In the 1994 season the All Star Game came to Pittsburgh. I attended with my dad and was actually inside the stadium when my #1 baseball hero (whose 3 books I’ve all read by this time at age 13) Mickey Mantle was introduced to the crowd at Three Rivers’ Stadium. I was in the upper deck when Ken Griffey Jr. launched five blasts to seats very close to ours and won the home run derby. I was watching on television when Tony Gwynn scored the game winning run and the NL beat the AL in a very exciting All Star contest. I was on vacation when on August 9th Jeff Bagwell suffered a broken bone in his hand and would miss the rest of a season where he hit .368 with 39 homers and 116 rbi’s. I was still on vacation when on August 11th children across the nation were robbed of summer when baseball went on strike. It wouldn’t be resolved quickly. There would be no World Series in 1994. Cyberstats on 1995 Topps cards told me what could have happened, but Matt Williams never hit 62 home runs, Tony Gwynn never hit .400 and I never got the part of my childhood back from me that was robbed that summer.
My heart ached that offseason when the sport that a 14 year old boy worshiped chose to go on strike. The announcement that the strike was resolved came as a relief to me in 1995. The announcement stated a season of 144 games would be played, and I privately rejoiced that I would see a summer of baseball in 1995. I yearned to watch Sportscenter all morning in the summer and see baseball highlights. I wanted to see Ken Griffey Jr. hitting home runs, Big Frank Thomas staring down at the pitchers, Ivan Rodriguez throwing out any runner who tried to steal 3rd base. Moreover at this time I came to the realization that I never had a team to call my own. I wanted ONE team that I could adopt as my favorite team in baseball, and I wanted ONE player to be my baseball hero. My expectations were completely fulfilled during the glorious baseball summer of 1995; the greatest baseball summer of my youth.
Over 30 years of Continued Mediocrity
Historically the Cleveland Indians have had success and won World Championships. The Indians won a World Championship in 1920 after team captain Ray Chapman was killed by a Carl Mays rising fastball in late August. The team rallied around Chapman’s replacement, HOF shortstop Joe Sewell, and pitching ace Stanley Coveleski pitching masterfully in the Series leading the Indians to a World Championship. In 1948 Lou Boudreau was not only the Indians’ manager, but additionally their most skilled player. Boudreau was the heart of the Indians in addition to being their biggest bat with a .355 average and 18 homers while defensively anchoring the team at shortstop. 1948 represents the last season the Indians have brought a championship home to Cleveland. In 1954, the Indians posted an unbelievable 110-44 record only to swept in the World Series by the spiteful Leo Durocher and his talented New York Giants team led by a young baseball prodigy who played centerfield named Willie Mays.
The Indians success after the mid-50’s virtually vanished throughout the next 3 decades. Historically, the blame has been placed on one General Manager Frank “Trader” Lane and one glaring trade where beloved slugger Rocky Colivito was shipped to the Detroit Tigers for singles hitter Harvey Kuenn. However, the Indians juggernaut of the earlier ‘50’s revolved around pitching, and with the Indians quality of pitching being depleted and its stars growing older Cleveland did not have enough home grown talent to stay competitive. And competitive they definitely were not. From 1955-1993 the Indians never played playoff baseball in October. They were a second division club every single year. They weren’t the Red Sox, White Sox or Cubs. No they were the St. Louis Browns, Washington Senators….They were never in the playoffs, and quite frankly they never should have been in the playoffs. One could cheer for the Cleveland Indians, but to expect to bring a World Series or a championship to Cleveland at anytime during the ‘60’s, ‘70’s or ‘80’s was laughable.
Building a Dynasty
Despite a defined history of being a laughingstock, Cleveland had strong guns in their arsenal in the early ‘90’s. CFer Kenny Lofton who came from the Houston Astro organization in a trade had developed into the best leadoff hitter in baseball and a gifted Gold Glove centerfielder. 2nd baseman Carlos Baerga was one of the most feared switch hitters in the game, and played baseball with a permanent smile and an enthusiasm admired by fan and visiting player alike. Rightfielder Albert Belle was slowly developing into one of the most feared hitters in all of baseball. Young players in the farm system including Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome were being touted as future stars. Veterans Eddie Murray, Dennis Martinez and Orel Hershier were additionally added to the Indians roster. The foundation for a very special baseball team seemed firmly in place.
In 1994 the Indians immaculate baseball cathedral Jacob’s Field officially opened its doors. In addition to being the most innovative, beautiful stadium in baseball, the Jake was probably the most exciting social hangout for baseball fans. Indians fans were loud, loyal, devoted and above all patient for 35 years of losing. Over the year the patience of the Indians faithful had worn thin, however they would soon be generously rewarded with the miracle they and baseball fans across the country including 14 year old Mike McCarthy from Pittsburgh, PA would witness in the magical summer of 1995.
The Defining Baseball Summer of my Youth:
1995 and the Cleveland Indians
I honestly don’t remember when I officially adopted Cleveland as my team. There is no specific instance where I declared on my lips CLEVELAND is my team and will be my team for the rest of my life. I primarily remember they started winning like crazy, and I started cheering them harder then I’ve ever cheered for any team and before I knew it I had a favorite team.
1995 was an absolutely amazing summer in Cleveland Indians baseball. The Cleveland Indians used homegrown talent and veterans to construct a team that had a record of 100-44. The Indians were the best team in baseball that summer, and quite frankly no other team could measure up in any way to the Indians in terms of talent. They were absolutely loaded. Look at this lineup and tell me the Indians weren’t one of the most talented teams of the decade of the ‘90’s:
manager-Mike Hargrove was a very soft-spoken gentleman who lets the players’ play their own game, and was very popular among players, fans and media alike.
C-Sandy Alomar was a great defensive catcher, quality hitter and excellent team leader.
IB-Paul Sorrento was a dangerous hitter who hit 8th in the deep, deep Cleveland lineup.
2B-Carlos Baerga became my baseball hero in 1995. Dangerous switch-hitter, team leader and extremely colorful and popular character. Baerga was regarded by many ML general managers as the best 2nd baseman in baseball in 1995.
SS-Omar Vizquel hit second in the powerful Indians lineup and was an absolute defensive wizard at shortstop.
3B-Jim Thome was a gregarious, young player who showed potential to be a future home run leader.
LF-Manny Ramirez hit 7th in a very deep and highly talented Indians lineup. Everyone knew the 23 year old Ramirez would one day be a star. However, in 1995 he was second fiddler to the big bats of Albert Belle and Eddie Murray.
CF-Kenny Lofton was the best leadoff hitter in baseball in 1995. A defensive wizard; Lofton played baseball with a flair and charisma that has not been seen in Cleveland in many years.
RF-Albert Belle was in the Top 3 in MVP balloting in 1994-1996. In 1995 he became the 1st player in the long, distinguished history of baseball to record 50 home runs and 50 doubles in the same season. Belle could have won the ’94 AL MVP, but the award went to Frank Thomas. Belle SHOULD HAVE won the ’95 AL MVP, but it went to Mo Vaughn instead.
DH-Eddie Murray will be inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame Summer ’03. In 1995, the 39 year old Murray had one of his best seasons hitting .323 with 21 homers and 84 RBI’s while hitting 5th in the powerful Indians lineup.
Starting Pitching-Dennis Martinez, Orel Hershier, Ken Hill, Chad Ogea, Charles Nagy
Relief Pitching-Jim Poole, Alan Embree, Eric Plunk, Julian Tavarez
Closer-Jose Mesa was absolutely unhittable in 1995 after being converted from a starting pitcher to a closer during Spring Training. Mesa had 46 saves, an ERA of 1.13 and was 2nd in the AL Cy Young balloting in 1995.
I started becoming an official Indians fan by purchasing the Indians gear this summer. I bought a new MLB Indians cap with a red bill and additionally 2 really attractive new Indians shirts. I also during this time had in my possession a white spring jacket with an Indians logo which was without question my favorite jacket in the world. If it had a Chief Wahoo logo on it; I would be looking to buy will and I would be wearing it.
I additionally added to my Indians collection with getting Indian autographs through the mail. During this time I was able to get signatures on cards from: Mike Hargrove, Sandy Alomar, Carlos Baerga, Omar Vizquel, Jim Thome, Kenny Lofton, Orel Hershier, Charles Nagy, Chad Ogea, Jose Mesa all through the mail. My favorite team also happened to be generous mail signers. What a joy to be an Indians fan.
Additionally, I went to Mecca Summer of ’95. No, I didn’t go to the Holy Land, but I did attend an Indians-Mariners game on June 8, 1995 at Jacob’s Field. I remember it like it was yesterday. Firstoff, that year in 8th grade I got straight A’s, so my dad promised that he’d take me to the Jake and we’d have good seats. I remember outside the stadium seeing the Bob Feller statue and realizing that golly I’m not in Pittsburgh anymore (1st time in 8 years I’ve seen anything but a Pittsburgh Pirates game). I realized I was walking on holy ground, and I was about to enter the stadium where my heroes played baseball.
Inside the stadium it was enormous and it was so exhilarating to see baseball in this capacity. I couldn’t believe I was sitting in field box seats at the 3rd base line at Jacob’s Field. I couldn’t believe I was seeing the Indians up close. During warm-ups Jim Thome walked up to talk with someone on the 3rd base side stands. I thought to myself that this is amazing that Jim Thome is right there a couple rows from me. I have his cards in my pocket. I know he’d sign an autograph for me. This is heaven for me; this is the thrill of my life.
The game was irrelevent to my experience at Jacob’s Field. Nevertheless, it wasn’t a great game for the Indians and they lost 9-3 to the Mariners. Griffey was on the disabled list so I didn’t see him, and Orel Hershier got rocked for seven runs in less then five innings. I still remember what I felt when I sat in that seat that warm afternoon at the Jake. I remember the spicy fries my dad bought me that afternoon for $4.00. They’re really warm and burn my mouth, and I need to put ketchup on them to cool them down. They’re so tasty to munch on while watching baseball in my comfortable box seat.
I remember Manny Ramirez that afternoon. He hit a single up through the middle. The CFer didn’t hustle and out of nowhere here comes Ramirez trying to stretch out a double. He’s tearing down 1st base, and yes he does beat the throw at 2nd. You might not believe me but Manny Ramirez ran like a deer on that play. It might not have made a difference in the outcome of the game, but not a soul in the ballpark would have expected Ramirez to try to stretch that to a double. Manny Ramirez tore up the bases that day. And I know because I was there and I saw it for myself. The Indians entire 1995 was like Ramirez stretching out that single into a double. You couldn’t believe your eyes but there it was right in front of you. You couldn’t believe the miracle was happening; Cleveland was rocking the baseball world. All you could do was sit back and savor every moment that wonderful year.
Disappointment in October
Baseball fans know the Cleveland Indians were not World Champs of 1995. But they didn’t play altogether poorly that postseason. The Indians started off the ’95 postseason with a three game sweep of the Boston Red Sox. They next played a very talented Seattle Mariners team in the ALCS. It was a hard fought series, and Cleveland defeated the Mariners in 6 games. The World Series would feature the Atlanta Braves versus the Indians. The Braves had masterful starting pitching in Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, and the Indians had a murder’s row lineup and strong veteran pitchers. Baseball fans had not seen a World Series in two years, and they eagerly awaited the Fall Classic of 1995.
I don’t know why the baseball gods weren’t with the Indians this Series, but the Indians bats choked considerably this Series. The pitching held relatively strong, but the Indians hit just .179 as a team and the mighty Indians offense scored a scant 18 runs over 6 games. Tom Glavine yielded only 1 Indian hit in the Game 6 finale, and David Justice hit the game winning homer off Indians’ reliever Jim Poole to end the Indians’ ’95 season and install the Atlanta Braves as baseball’s new World Champions.
Reflections:
The Indians would remain one of baseball’s best teams from 1996-2001. A new crop of Indians talent would emerge in pitchers Bartolo Colon, Jaret Wright, C.C. Sabathia. Free agent signings such as Jack McDowell, Mike Jackson, Roberto Alomar, Julio Franco would contribute significantly to the Indians success. Players such as Matt Williams, Marquis Grissom, David Justice(!), Travis Fryman, Bob Wickman would be obtained in trades that would prove helpful to the Cleveland Indians. Conversely, talented players such as Brian Giles, Jeromy Burnitz, Steve Kline, Sean Casey, Danny Graves, Richie Sexson would be lost in exchange for short-term veteran help.
During this time it didn’t matter who was coming or going. It didn’t matter what position you played or how often you played. As long as you were a Cleveland Indian I cheered for you to be successful and help the Indians win. During this time the Jake rocked, the Indians won the Central every year, and my favorite summer pastime was cheering on my Indians in any way that I could. I might have been from Pittsburgh, but the Indians were the team that captivated my heart to cheer for throughout those baseball summers.
The glory days of the Cleveland Indians are now a memory of baseball’s past. Now baseball has entered the ’03 season and the Indians are rebuilding with new young talent. I’m no longer 14 years old and in the 8th grade. I’m now 21 years old and soon to be graduating from college. I know longer stay up at night wishing to be a Cleveland Indian and sit in the dugout with the ballplayers. I don’t dream like that anymore because I know it cannot come true; I can’t be a major league ballplayer. Now, I pay for classes I don’t enjoy and work hard to “get ahead” in life. I don’t collect baseball cards anymore. I don’t try to imitate Carlos Baerga’s batting stance anymore. A great sense of the joy that I felt that magical summer of 1995 has left me, and I know it will never return again in the same capacity. I don’t dream anymore; all I have left are memories. Throughout the years I dedicated to the national pastime I will never forget the magic I saw the summer of 1995. Baseball was everywhere and the focal part of my world that summer. 1995 was my favorite baseball summer; the summer when the Cleveland Indians captivated the hearts of baseball fans across the country and gave this 14 year old boy the chance to dream.
Epilogue:
Eight years has passed since my favorite baseball summer. Since 1995 the United States has changed, and additionally baseball has changed. Here is a quick rundown of my Indians’ heroes and where they currently are today:
Mike Hargrove---Left the Cleveland Indians after a disappointing loss in the ’00 Playoffs to the Boston Red Sox. Hargrove managed the team masterfully through the ’00 season, and the firing was a weak excuse for control freak G.M. John Hart to dismiss the amicable, likeable Hargrove. Hargrove is currently managing the Baltimore Orioles.
Sandy Alomar---Left Indians after the ’01 season. Currently is a backup catcher for the Chicago White Sox.
Paul Sorrento---Left the Indians to play with the expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Retired soon thereafter.
Carlos Baerga---Skills deteriorated rapidly upon Baerga approaching his 30th birthday. Was traded in mid-season 1997 to the New York Mets for Jeff Kent and Jose Vizcaino. Made roster of Boston Red Sox in ’02, and is currently trying to work way back into ML baseball as a part-time player.
Omar Vizquel---Streak of 9 consecutive Gold Gloves was ended by Alex Rodriguez in ’02. Widely considered best defensive SS of the ‘90’s, and will be a strong HOF candidate after his retirement.
Jim Thome---Converted to 1st baseman and became one of the most popular Indians in team history. Hit over 100 homers in two year period between ’01-’02. Signed $80 million+ free agent contract with Philadelphia Phillies after ’02 season.
Kenny Lofton---Played CF for Indians ’96, ’98-’01. Played in ’02 World Series with San Francisco Giants. Despite playing in 3 World Series, Lofton is still hungry for a World Championship ring.
Manny Ramirez---Emerged as arguably the best offensive hitter in baseball. Left Indians after ’00 season to sign $160 million 8 year deal with Boston Red Sox. Won batting title in ’02. Likely future HOFer.
Albert Belle---Shocked the baseball community by retiring after ’01 season due to degenerative hip condition. May baseball experts picked Belle to retire with over 600 career home runs. Well he didn’t retire with 600 home runs, or 500; heck he didn’t even hit 400 home runs.
Dennis Martinez, Orel Hershier have both since retired after distinguished careers.
Jose Mesa is still saving games, but this time for the Philadelphia Phillies. Mesa entered the 9th inning of Game 7 of the 1997 World Series needing 3 outs for the Indians to be World Champions. He could not get them. Mesa gave up 1 run in the 9th, and the Indians lost it in extra innings.
The Indians have still not won a World Championship since 1948.
