Earl Averill was one of the best outfielders in Cleveland’s history, playing for the team from 1929 to 1939. A six-time All-Star, he was known for his powerful hitting and clutch performances. Averill remains among the franchise leaders in many offensive categories and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975. His number 3 was retired to honor his lasting impact on the team.
Lou Boudreau was a player-manager who led Cleveland to its last World Series championship in 1948. A brilliant shortstop and strategist, he won the AL MVP that same year and was known for his leadership both on and off the field. His defensive skills and batting ability made him one of the best shortstops of his era, and his number 5 was retired to honor his contributions.
Larry Doby broke the American League color barrier in 1947, just months after Jackie Robinson did so in the National League. He was a seven-time All-Star and a key part of the 1948 World Series-winning team. Doby was known for his power, speed, and resilience in the face of adversity. His number 14 was retired in recognition of his groundbreaking role in baseball history and his contributions to Cleveland’s success.
Mel Harder spent his entire 20-year playing career (1928-1947) with Cleveland and later became a respected pitching coach. A four-time All-Star, he was one of the most consistent pitchers of his era. Harder also helped develop some of the best pitchers in franchise history as a coach. His dedication to the organization earned him the honor of having his number 18 retired.
Bob Feller, known as "Rapid Robert," is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time. He played for Cleveland from 1936 to 1956, winning 266 games and striking out over 2,500 batters. A World War II veteran, Feller missed nearly four seasons to serve in the military but still managed to become an eight-time All-Star and win a World Series in 1948. His number 19 was retired to honor his legendary career.
Bob Lemon was a dominant pitcher for Cleveland from 1941 to 1958, winning 207 games and helping the team capture the 1948 World Series title. A seven-time All-Star, he transitioned from being an outfielder to a pitcher and became one of the most successful hurlers in franchise history. His number 21 was retired in recognition of his impact on the team’s success.
Jim Thome was one of the most feared sluggers in baseball history, known for his powerful home runs and clutch hitting. He played for Cleveland from 1991 to 2002 and returned in 2011. Thome hit 337 home runs with the franchise and played a key role in their playoff runs during the 1990s. A Hall of Famer and fan favorite, his number 25 was retired to celebrate his incredible career.
Frank Robinson made history in 1975 when he became Major League Baseball’s first Black manager while still playing for the Cleveland franchise. A Hall of Famer and one of the game’s greatest sluggers, Robinson was a key leader on and off the field. Though he spent most of his playing career with other teams, his impact in Cleveland was monumental, both as a player and a trailblazing manager.
