1937 World Series Loss to Giants

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. 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.

In Their Own Story

The autumn air at League Park was crisp, carrying the scent of roasted peanuts and the nervous energy of twenty thousand fans. In the sixth game, with Cleveland clinging to a slim lead, the Giants' bats began to sing. The roar of the crowd faded into a hushed tension as Mel Ott stepped to the plate, his silhouette framed against the fading light. A sharp crack echoed through the stadium, sending the ball soaring toward center field. As it landed in the grass, the realization washed over the home fans: another year, another dream deferred.

Reader's Guide

The team's World Series championship drought, dating to 1948, is the longest active among the 30 current Major League teams. The team has won two World Series championships, but the source does not specify the years. The team's previous World Series appearance before 1948 was in 1920, and their next was in 1948.

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 mascot is named "Slider".
• The team's spring training facility is at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Arizona.