The Cleveland Naps
The Guardians of Cleveland baseball.
The Cleveland Guardians are an American professional baseball team based in Cleveland. The Guardians compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division. Since 1994, the team has played its home games at Progressive Field (originally known as Jacobs Field after the team's then-owner). Since their establishment as a Major League franchise in 1901, the team has won 13 Central Division titles, six American League pennants, and two World Series championships (in and ). The team's World Series championship drought, dating to 1948, is the longest active among the 30 current Major League teams. The team's name is derived from the Guardians of Traffic, eight 1932 Art Deco sculptures by Henry Hering on the city's Hope Memorial Bridge, which is adjacent to Progressive Field. The team's mascot is named "Slider". The team's spring training facility is at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Arizona.
- Home Grounds
- ['League Park (1901–1909)', 'League Park (1910–1914)']
Lore & Background
The franchise originated in 1896 as the Columbus Buckeyes (also known as the Columbus Senators), a minor league club based in Columbus, Ohio that played in the Western League. The team relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, midway through the 1899 season, where they were known as the Grand Rapids Prodigals. In 1900, the franchise moved to Cleveland and was called the Cleveland Lake Shores. The Western League itself was renamed the American League prior to the 1900 season while continuing its minor league status. When the American League declared itself a major league in 1901, Cleveland was one of its eight charter franchises. Originally known as the Cleveland Bluebirds, or Blues, the team was also unofficially called the Cleveland Broncos in 1902. Beginning in 1903, the team was named the Cleveland Napoleons, or Naps, after team captain and manager Nap Lajoie. Lajoie left after the 1914 season, and club owner Charles Somers requested that baseball writers choose a new name. They chose Cleveland Indians, which remained in use for more than a century. Common nicknames for the Indians were "the Tribe" and "the Wahoos", the latter referencing their longtime logo, Chief Wahoo. After the Indians name came under criticism as part of the Native American mascot controversy, the team adopted the current name, Guardians, beginning with the 2022 season.
In Their Own Story
The sun dipped low over Lake Erie on an autumn afternoon in 1908, casting long shadows across League Park as the crowd roared for 'Nap' Lajoie. The air smelled of roasted peanuts and damp earth, a familiar scent to every fan who had followed the Naps through the decade. As Lajoie stepped into the batter's box, the stadium hushed; he wasn't just swinging for a hit, but for the legacy of a team named after him.
Reader's Guide
From August 24 to September 14, 2017, the team won 22 consecutive games, the longest winning streak in American League history, and the second-longest winning streak in MLB history. The team's name is derived from the Guardians of Traffic, eight 1932 Art Deco sculptures by Henry Hering on the city's Hope Memorial Bridge, which is adjacent to Progressive Field.
Did You Know?
- The team's name is derived from the Guardians of Traffic, eight 1932 Art Deco sculptures by Henry Hering on the city's Hope Memorial Bridge.
- From August 24 to September 14, 2017, the team won 22 consecutive games, the longest winning streak in American League history.
- The team's World Series championship drought, dating to 1948, is the longest active among the 30 current Major League teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Cleveland Naps?
This name refers to the franchise between 1903 and 1914, named after star shortstop Nap Lajoie. It represents a unique period before the club adopted the Indians moniker.
Why is this era important in Cleveland history?
The team transformed from an expansion struggle into American League contenders under Lajoie's leadership. Their identity was so strong that they carried his name on their uniforms publicly.
What notable achievement did the Naps accomplish?
In 1908, the club secured the American League Championship during this specific timeframe. This victory stands as a key milestone before the team's eventual renaming.
Where were the home games played during these years?
Matches were hosted at Lakefront Park initially and later moved to League Park I and II. These stadiums served as the primary bases for the franchise throughout this decade.
How did the Naps era come to an end?
The identity ceased in 1914 after Nap Lajoie retired and left the organization. Following his departure, the club was rebranded to reflect a new direction without him.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Cleveland Guardians universe
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