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.
Frank Robinson: Historic Jersey
In 1947, Cleveland became the first AL team to sign a Black player. The franchise made history again 28 years later when it hired Frank Robinson as the first full-time Black manager in AL or NL history. As player-manager for the Indians, Robinson wore this jersey on that historic Opening Day in 1975, smashing a homer to help defeat the Yankees, 5-3.
The Souls of the Game
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!
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
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