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Cleveland Blues Team History

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Cleveland Blues




  • 1901
  • Cleveland Bluebirds 1901

    Cleveland Blues Team Formation

    In 1900 the American League was still considered a minor league. In 1901 team was renamed the Cleveland Bluebirds when the American League broke with the National Agreement and declared itself a competing Major League. The Cleveland franchise was among its eight charter members.
    See Full Story

Blues Primary Logo
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History of the Blues

The Cleveland Blues of 1901-1902 were among Major League Baseball (MLB) 's most successful teams. The team was founded as a charter member of the American League in 1901 and won three consecutive pennants from 1902-1904. During this time, they also had some impressive individual accomplishments: Nap Lajoie won back-to-back batting titles; Addie Joss threw a perfect game; and Cy Young became baseball’s all-time leader in wins with his victory over Philadelphia Athletics pitcher Rube Waddell on October 2nd, 1904.

Offensively, the team was led by Hall Of Famers Nap Lajoie (.378 AVG/ 28 HRs), Elmer Flick (.308 AVG/ 9 HRs), and Bill Bradley (.295 AVG / 10 HRs). On defense, catcher Lou Criger provided strong leadership behind home plate while shortstop George Davis anchored an infield that included future Hall Of Famer Joe Birmingham at third base. In addition to these players were two other vital contributors: outfielder Jimmy McAleer who hit .312 with 8 home runs, and pitcher Addie Joss who posted an outstanding 1.59 ERA over 349 innings pitched during his tenure as an ace starter for Cleveland Blues from 1902 - 1904 season.

In the 1903 & 04 seasons, the Blues recorded their best records, finishing 103–48 years respectively, making them one of only four teams since 1900 to have multiple 100+ win seasons consecutively. They also set several primary league records, like scoring 841 runs(in 03 seasons) until 1931, when New York Yankees broke it. Their pitching staff, led by Addy Josse, Cy Young, Clark Griffith, etc., made sure no other team got close enough competing against them throughout those 3 magical years posting a combined era of under 2 each year!

Ultimately, it wasn’t enough for World Series glory as they lost out twice – firstly against Pittsburgh Pirates (5 games to 3) and then Boston Americans (4 games to 1). Nevertheless, their contribution can never be forgotten, having laid such firm foundations upon which modern-day MLB is built!





Established
1901

City
Cleveland

League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1901 – 1999 / American League

Team History
2022 - Present / Cleveland Guardians
1915 – 2021 / Cleveland Indians
1903 – 1914 / Cleveland Naps
1901 – 1902 / Cleveland Blues

Nickname
Blues – The Cleveland Blues have been a part of Major League Baseball since 1901. The team has gone through many changes over the years, but its nickname remains the same. It's an iconic name that evokes nostalgia and pride in all sports fans throughout Cleveland and beyond. So where did this beloved moniker come from?

The story goes back to 1902 when a local newspaper ran an article about the newly formed team called “Cleveland’s Blue Stockings,” – referring to their blue uniforms, which were popular then. This was later shortened by sportswriters simply calling them “the Blues,” it has stuck with them ever since!

While some other theories are floating around regarding how they got their name (including one involving former president William McKinley), it seems clear that this is the most likely origin of the famous nickname for our hometown baseball club: The Cleveland Blues! As we cheer on our favorite players wearing those classic blue jerseys, let us remember how far they had come from being just another minor league club in Ohio all those years ago - now representing our city and its rich history!

Championship
World Series 0
1948, 1920

Stadium
2008 – Present / Progressive Field
1994 – 2007 / Jacobs Field
1934 – 1993 / Cleveland Stadium
1900 – 1946 / League Park
1912 – 1934 / Dunn Field

Owner
1999 – Present / Larry Dolan
1986 – 1999 / Richard Jacobs
1978 – 1983 / Steve O’Neill
1972 – 1978 / Ted Bonda
1972 – 1975 / Nick Mileti
1966 – 1972 / Vernon Stouffer
1962 – 1966 / Gabe Paul
1956 – 1962 / William R. Daley
1952 – 1956 / Myron H. Wilson
1949 – 1952 / Ellis Ryan
1946 – 1949 / Bill Veeck
1927 – 1946 / Alva Bradley
1916 – 1922 / Jim Dunn
1901 – 1916 / Charles Somers

Who is the greatest Cleveland Blues?
  • Add your greatest player

To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.

Retired Number
3 / Earl Averill
5 / Lou Boudreau
14 / Larry Doby
18 / Mel Harder
19 / Bob Feller
20 / Frank Robinson
21 / Bob Lemon
25 / Jim Thome
42 / Jackie Robinson
455 / Indians Fans

*Blue is this team’s history

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