One of the great early major league baseball players, he got his start with a semi-pro team called the Young Clevelanders. In 1886 he joined the Detroit team of the old National League, and helped pitch that team to a pennant in 1887 with an 11-1 mark. His lone loss came in a 14-inning game in which he allowed just one hit. Traded to Cleveland in 1889, he set a record of 16 total bases in a game (single, double, three triples and a home run) which stood until 1954. Major league career ended in 1891, but he played, and later managed, in the minors until 1898.
A member of the Cleveland Indians baseball team for six seasons, he became active in promoting both amateur and professional baseball in the Greater Cleveland area after his retirement in 1954. An untiring worker, he was considered one of the sport’s finest ambassadors. Promoted baseball through his membership on the Board of Directors of the Wahoo Club and Cleveland Baseball Federation. He constantly assisted sandlot youngsters with his time and money.
As a Class “E” pitcher-outfielder in 1924 he batted .475 and led the league in strikeouts. Hit .460 and again led the league in strikeouts in Class “D” and became the first member of the Cleveland Press Hall of Fame. After continuing to start in Class “A” amateur ball he signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1929, but injured his leg and returned to amateur baseball, finally retiring in 1944.
Started his organized baseball career with Cleveland Favorite Knits in Class “E” in 1924 and won the Babe Ruth Cup for most home runs. Worked his was up to Class “A” before signing a professional contract. Later became scout for the Philadelphia Phillies and has scouted the top amateur talent in the Greater Cleveland are for 30 years.
Star third baseman who played major league baseball for 14 years at the beginning of the 20th century. Spent ten seasons with Cleveland, two with the Chicago Cubs and one each with Brooklyn and Kansas City. Compiled lifetime average of .271. Managed the Brooklyn baseball team in 1914. Later served for many years as a talent scout for the Cleveland Indians.
Among the first inductees into baseball’s hall of Fame. Considered one of the finest defensive center fielders in history of game. Hit .344 in 22 major league seasons, including nine with Boston Red Sox and 11 with Cleveland Indians. Was playing-manager of Indians from 1919 through 1926 and guided them to their first World Series Championship in 1920. After his retirement he served as a consultant with the Indians until his death in 1958.
Outstanding righthanded pitcher who enjoyed a 20-year major league career with the Cleveland Indians. Won 223 games, lost 186 and owned a lifetime earned run average of 3.80. Was the starting pitcher for the Indians first major league baseball game ever played in Cleveland Municipal Stadium. After his retirement as an active player, served for many years as pitching coach for Cleveland.
Pitched for Fischer Foods, Class A, leading the team to City, State and National championships in 1931, 1932, and 1936. During those years he won 3, 3, and 4 games, respectively, in the National tournament. Voted “Most Valuable” in class A in 1932.
Played sandlot baseball from 1912 to 1934. Was player/manager of the great Telling’s team when they won triple “A” titles in 1927 and 1928. The team won six titles in 10 years. His 1947 team won the National Championship, winning 31 games in a row. That record still stands.
A strong arm and skilled pivot plays made possible the numerous double plays for the Cleveland Indians from 1939 to 1947. At John Adams High School and Case School of Applied Science, Raymond J. Mikovsky starred in football and basketball. In 1939 he and Lou Boudreau were flanking second base for Buffalo which presaged a pair of stellar careers in the majors.