CLEVELAND, OH– The Cleveland Indians today announced the organization will induct two former Tribe greats into the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame and two non-uniformed personnel into the newly created Distinguished Hall of Fame on Saturday, August 1 prior to the 7:05PM game vs. Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field, highlighting the club’s Hall of Fame Heritage Weekend July 31-August 2.
The Class of 2009 entering the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame includes: CA SANDY ALOMAR and RHP WES FERRELL. To acknowledge non-uniformed personnel that contributed significantly to the Indians organization, the Indians are debuting this season a Distinguished Hall of Fame featuring the inductions of two former owners: RICHARD E. JACOBS and BILL VEECK.
More than 1,500 players have worn an Indians uniform- the total inducted into the player wing of the club’s Hall of Fame now stands at 35.
INDIANS HALL OF FAME CLASS 2009
Sandy Alomar (1990-2000)
Six-time All-Star hit game-winning homer and was MVP of 1997 All-Star Game in Cleveland. Won 1990 Gold Glove, when he was AL Rookie of the Year. Was the Tribe’s field leader behind the plate as the club won 5 American League Central Division titles and two American League Pennants. Best year was 1997 (.324, 21 HR, 83 RBI).
Wes Ferrell, RHP (1927-33)
Had 21 or more wins four years in a row (1929-32). Pitched a no-hitter over St. Louis Browns at League Park on April 29, 1931. Went 102-62 for Indians and 193-128 in 15 seasons overall. Holds the major-league record for homers hit by a pitcher (38).
INDIANS DISTINGUISHED HOF CLASS 2009
Richard E. Jacobs (Owner 1986-99)
Richard E. Jacobs, and his brother David, in many ways saved the Indians organization, purchasing them during a time the franchise was rumored to be moved to St.Petersburg, FL. During the Jacobs era of the franchise, a front office team was assembled, led first by Hank Peters and later by John Hart that transformed the organization’s farm system, and orchestrated the construction of a baseball-only facility in downtown Cleveland. The new ballpark revitalized the City of Cleveland and the franchise. It led to one of the best periods in history with two American League Championships, five Central Division Championships and a record number of consecutive sellouts.
Bill Veeck (Owner 1946-49)
Bill Veeck, who will always be remembered as the originator of baseball promotions, assembled one of the best teams in franchise history as the Indians won the World Series in 1948. He made two very bold moves as owner of the Indians, including signing the first African-American player in the American League in Larry Doby and signing legendary pitcher Satchel Paige.
CLEVELAND INDIANS HALL OF FAME
The Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame was established in 1951 to recognize individuals who made a significant impact during their playing careers with the Cleveland Indians. Inductees must have been active in an Indians uniform for at least three seasons and must be retired for one full year. Members of the Hall of Fame will be forever recognized in HERITAGE PARK located behind the center field wall of Progressive Field.
CLEVELAND INDIANS HALL OF FAME MEMBERS (35)
CA SANDY ALOMAR- HOF CLASS 2009
OF EARL AVERILL- Inducted 1951
P JIM BAGBY, SR. – Inducted 2007
SS LOU BOUDREAU- Inducted 1954
3B BILL BRADLEY- Inducted 1957
SS RAY CHAPMAN- Inducted 2006
P STAN COVELESKI- Inducted 1966
OF ROCKY COLAVITO- Inducted 2006
OF LARRY DOBY- Inducted 1966
P BOB FELLER- Inducted 1957
P WES FERRELL- HOF CLASS 2009
OF ELMER FLICK- Inducted 1963
P MIKE GARCIA- Inducted 2007
MGR/2B JOE GORDON- Inducted 2008
P MEL HARDER- Inducted 1951
MGR/1B MIKE HARGROVE- Inducted 2008
CA JIM HEGAN- Inducted 1966
OF JOE JACKSON- Inducted 1951
P ADDIE JOSS- Inducted 2006
3B KEN KELTNER- Inducted 1951
2B NAP LAJOIE- Inducted 1951
P BOB LEMON- Inducted 1960
MGR. AL LOPEZ- Inducted 2006
P SAM McDOWELL- Inducted 2006
P CHARLES NAGY- Inducted 2007
CA STEVE O’NEILL- Inducted 1951
P SATCHEL PAIGE- Inducted 1965
3B AL ROSEN- Inducted 2006
P HERB SCORE- Inducted 2006
SS JOE SEWELL- Inducted 1951
OF TRIS SPEAKER- Inducted 1951
1B/DH ANDRE THORNTON- Inducted 2007
1B HAL TROSKY- Inducted 1951
P EARLY WYNN- Inducted 1972
P CY YOUNG- Inducted 1951
—tribe—
