Cleveland Guardians

From the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s collection containing tens of thousands of artifacts, our curators have created each team’s Starting Nine by hand-picking nine must-see pieces for each of the 30 MLB teams. This limited-time list is the perfect introduction to the Museum for every Cleveland Guardians fan. Don’t wait to make your visit to Cooperstown to take the Hall of Fame Starting Nine challenge.

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Early Wynn: 300th Win Baseball

Indians legend Early Wynn pitched this ball on July 13, 1963, against the Kansas City Athletics when he won his 300th career game. The nine-time All-Star played ten years for Cleveland, winning at least 20 games four times with them in the 1950s.

Baseball Timeline: 1930-1970

Sandy Alomar: All-Star MVP Bat

Indians catcher Sandy Alomar used this bat in the 1997 All-Star Game to hit the game-winning home run, a two-run shot to left-center field. With Cleveland hosting that year, Alomar became the first player to win the All-Star Game MVP Award while playing in his home ballpark.

¡Viva Baseball!

Frank Robinson: First Black Manager

The first American League team to sign a Black player, Cleveland made history again in 1975 when the franchise hired Frank Robinson as the first full-time Black manager in AL or NL history. Along with his 16-year managerial career, Robinson was honored with this plaque in 1982 after amassing 14 all-star nods and winning an MVP in both leagues as a player.

Plaque Gallery

Joe Charboneau: 45 RPM Record

In Cleveland's 1980 home opener, rookie Joe Charboneau singled, doubled and smashed a three-run homer before 61,753 fans. The electric, eccentric outfielder/DH then crafted a stellar one-year-wonder season, batting .289 with 23 homers, posting 87 RBI, earning AL Rookie of the Year honors, and having the single “Go Joe Charboneau” reach No. 3 on the Cleveland charts.

Whole New Ballgame

Bob Feller: No-Hitter Ball

On April 16, 1940, Indians pitcher Bob Feller threw this ball during his no-hit victory over the Chicago White Sox, earning the 1-0, eight-strikeout win and recording the first Opening Day no-no thrown in major league history.

One for the Books

Neal Ball: Triple Play Medal

On July 19, 1909, Cleveland shortstop Neal Ball completed the AL's first unassisted triple play, commemorated by this diamond and pearl medal. Ball's play happened so abruptly that the fans at first did not understand what had happened. However, once the visiting Red Sox began taking the field, the crowd erupted with cheers.

One for the Books

1948 World Series Championship Ring

Behind the pitching of Bob Lemon, the Cleveland Indians earned this World Champion ring when they defeated the Boston Braves, four games to two, in the 1948 World Series. The dramatic, diamond-topped theatrical curtain set in onyx distinguishes this ring from others, before or since.

Autumn Glory

Nap Lajoie: Rare 1933 Goudey Card

The 1933 Goudey baseball card set featured more than 200 players, but eagle-eyed collectors noticed there was no card #106. In 1934, Goudey produced and mailed special cards of Cleveland great Napoleon Lajoie to appease those fans who had written in to complain, creating a unique story and much sought-after rarity.

Shoebox Treasures

John Adams: Bass Drum

John Adams was the heartbeat of Cleveland baseball for nearly 50 seasons. Over the course of more than 3,700 home games, Adams played this drum at three World Series, three All-Star Games, 11 playoff series, Len Barker’s perfect game, and at John Adams Bobblehead Night (July 9, 2006). Cleveland inducted the superfan into the Guardians Distinguished Hall of Fame in 2022.

Your Team Today

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