The Cleveland Naps were one of Major League Baseball’s pioneering teams, known for their early success and talented roster. Established in the early 1900s, the franchise played a major role in shaping professional baseball. The legacy of Cleveland Naps Baseball includes iconic players, memorable achievements, and a lasting influence that laid the foundation for the team’s future as the Cleveland Indians.
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
Naps – For any die-hard Cleveland sports fan, the origin of their beloved team's nickname has been a source of debate and discussion for years. The Cleveland Naps were one of Major League Baseball’s original eight teams when it was founded in 1876, and they have held onto their unique name ever since. But where did this unusual moniker come from?
Cleveland Naps Origin
The answer lies with one man: Napoleon “Nap” Lajoie. He was an American baseball player who played for the Philadelphia Phillies before joining the Naps in 1902 as both a player and manager – making him one of only two MLB players to hold such dual roles at once (the other being Hall-of-Famer Rogers Hornsby). His exceptional skills on the field earned him recognition throughout his career, but it wasn't until he joined up with Cleveland that his nickname began to stick around. It quickly became popular among fans due to its alliterative appeal; what could be better than cheering on your favorite team alongside someone known as "Nap"?
It didn't take long before Nap's popularity spread beyond just Clevelanders. Soon enough, people across America started referring to them as ‘the Naps,' which eventually led ownership deciding officially adopt 'Naps' into their official title in 1914 when they changed from being called 'Cleveland.' Since then, many generations have known nothing but this quirky yet endearing nickname!
So next time you hear someone mention "the Naps," remember where it came from – legendary ballplayer Napoleon Lajoie himself!
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
- 1903
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Napoléon “Nap” Lajoie
Napoléon “Nap” Lajoie also known as Larry Lajoie and nicknamed “The Frenchman”, was an American professional baseball second baseman and player-manager. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Athletics (twice), and Cleveland Naps between 1896 and 1916. He managed the Naps from 1905 through 1909.
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.
Cleveland Naps History
The Cleveland Naps, originally known as the Cleveland Blues, were a Major League Baseball team that played in the American League from 1903 to 1914. The franchise adopted the Naps name to honor their star player and manager, Napoleon “Nap” Lajoie, one of baseball’s earliest superstars. Under Lajoie’s leadership, the Cleveland Naps Baseball team enjoyed significant success during their 11-year tenure, becoming one of the league’s most competitive clubs.
In 1905, the Naps won their first American League pennant with an impressive 93–58 record, establishing themselves as a powerhouse in the AL. Over the next six seasons, the team captured two more pennants and consistently contended for championships. In 1911, they finished second behind the Boston Red Sox despite posting an identical 92–62 record, narrowly missing another title but demonstrating the team’s sustained excellence.
Lajoie continued managing the team until 1914, but financial difficulties caused by ownership changes weakened the roster. Key players were traded or released, leaving the team depleted and struggling on the field. By 1913, the Cleveland Naps Baseball team finished in last place in the league standings. These challenges ultimately brought an end to the Napoleonic era, marking a pivotal chapter in the Cleveland Naps history.
Naps Achievements
Despite these setbacks, the Cleveland Naps history laid the foundation for future Cleveland baseball success. The team’s early pennants, star players, and competitive spirit helped establish the franchise’s identity and legacy within Major League Baseball.
Today, the impact of Cleveland Naps Baseball is still remembered, as the team’s achievements and contributions to the sport influenced the later Cleveland Indians era. From pioneering strategies under Lajoie to early championship runs, the Naps remain an important part of Cleveland’s rich baseball history.
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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